Reds' Sensation Elly De La Cruz Joins Exclusive Power-Speed Club
In a standout season marked by both power and speed, Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz has etched his name into the annals of baseball history. The 22-year-old phenom has become the charter member of a new power/speed club, achieving milestones that few players before him have accomplished.
Just one day after joining the likes of Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson as one of the only players to steal 100 bases in their first two seasons, De La Cruz put on another show for the ages. In a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, he slugged his 25th home run, adding yet another remarkable chapter to his burgeoning career.
With that blast, De La Cruz became the first shortstop to ever post a season with at least 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases. His unique combination of skills has placed him in a league of his own, highlighting his versatility and underscoring his potential as one of baseball’s top young talents.
The exclusivity of the 25-homer, 65-stolen base club is not limited by position. De La Cruz is only the fifth player in baseball history to achieve this feat. Reflecting on this incredible accomplishment, it’s clear that De La Cruz has managed to tap into a blend of power and speed that is rarely seen on the diamond.
De La Cruz’s achievements are even more impressive when considering his age. At just 22 years old, he stands among a small and elite group of players who have managed to dominate in multiple facets of the game at such a young age. This season has not just been about milestones; De La Cruz has also been remarkably productive across the board.
Entering Saturday, he boasted a .260 batting average, a .343 on-base percentage, and a .471 slugging percentage. These numbers reflect a player who is not just about hitting home runs or stealing bases, but one who contributes in various ways to his team's offense. His 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) this year is a testament to his all-around impact on the field.
De La Cruz's 4.9 WAR ranks fifth in the National League, trailing only behind some of the biggest names in the game: Shohei Ohtani (8.0 WAR), Matt Chapman (6.9 WAR), Francisco Lindor (6.6 WAR), and Ketel Marte (6.1 WAR). This places him among the crème de la crème of national talent, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star.
However, despite De La Cruz's extraordinary personal achievements, it has been a challenging season for the Reds. With a record of 75-80, Cincinnati has already been eliminated from postseason contention. The team’s last foray into the playoffs came during the shortened 2020 season, and they have been struggling to replicate that success in a full 162-game season since 2013.
For long-suffering Reds fans, De La Cruz offers a beacon of hope. His dynamic play and youthful energy suggest that better days could be on the horizon for the franchise. As one of the brightest young talents in the game, his development and continued success will undoubtedly be a focal point for the team moving forward.
In a season filled with ups and downs, De La Cruz’s individual brilliance has provided plenty of reasons for optimism. With his place cemented in the record books, the future looks incredibly bright for both Elly De La Cruz and the Cincinnati Reds. As he continues to evolve and refine his game, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see what heights this exceptional young player can reach.