In a season decorated with outstanding achievements, Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz has established himself as a true power-speed threat, earning the attention and admiration of baseball fans and analysts alike. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz has not only showcased his exceptional talent on the field but also cemented his place in baseball history.
De La Cruz’s athleticism and versatility have been on full display this season. He has hit 25 home runs, joining a rare class of players who have combined such power with speed early in their careers. A notable milestone was reached on Saturday, in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he launched his 25th home run.
What sets De La Cruz apart is not just his power-hitting ability but also his proficiency on the base paths. He has become one of the few players, alongside legends like Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson, to steal 100 bases within their first two seasons. This combination of speed and power is a rare feat and underscores his dynamic presence on the field.
In fact, De La Cruz is the first shortstop to record a season with at least 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases. Broadening the scope beyond his position, he is only the fifth player in the history of major league baseball to achieve these numbers in a single season. This accomplishment places him in an elite group of players who have demonstrated such a formidable blend of characteristics.
Numbers can often tell a story by themselves, and De La Cruz’s statistics this season are a testament to his significant impact. He maintains a .260 batting average, complemented by a .343 on-base percentage and a .471 slugging percentage. These figures reflect not just his raw talent but also his consistency and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Furthermore, De La Cruz’s contributions have been quantified through advanced metrics, showing that he has accumulated 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) this year. This impressive figure ranks him fifth in the National League, highlighting his value and the critical role he plays for his team. The only players surpassing him in WAR are Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1).
Despite De La Cruz’s individual brilliance, the Cincinnati Reds have faced a challenging season. With a record of 75-80, they have been eliminated from postseason contention. This marks another year of struggle for the Reds, as they have not been able to replicate the success of their playoff appearance during the shortened 2020 season in a full 162-game schedule since 2013.
Nevertheless, the efforts and performances of a standout player like Elly De La Cruz offer a glimmer of hope and excitement for the Reds’ faithful. In a season of ups and downs, De La Cruz’s emergence as one of the game's rising stars provides a foundation for future success and something for the fans to rally around.
Elly De La Cruz’s remarkable combination of power and speed is not just a highlight for the Reds but a significant storyline for the league. As he continues to develop and refine his game, the baseball community eagerly anticipates what the future holds for this young phenom. His achievements this season have set a high bar, and if his trajectory continues, Elly De La Cruz is poised to become one of the greats in the sport.