In a season where the Cincinnati Reds' aspirations for postseason glory fell short, one name has consistently shone brightly: Elly De La Cruz. At just 22 years of age, De La Cruz has not only captured the imagination of Reds fans but also carved his name into the annals of baseball history with a remarkable blend of power and speed.
A Season of Milestones
De La Cruz's performance this season has been nothing short of stellar. Highlighting his unique skill set, he has become the charter member of a new power/speed club. His 25th home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates cements his status as one of the premier talents in Major League Baseball. But the long balls are only part of De La Cruz's dynamic game. He has also accomplished a feat of speed reminiscent of the game's greats by stealing 100 bases in his first two seasons, joining a very exclusive club that includes legends like Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson.
De La Cruz is not just making history; he's redefining what modern shortstops can achieve. He is the first shortstop to post a season with at least 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases, a combination that speaks volumes about his versatility and value to the team. In fact, only five players in baseball history have managed to achieve 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases in a single season, putting De La Cruz in elite company.
By the Numbers
Statistics further emphasize De La Cruz's impact. With a batting average of .260, an on-base percentage of .343, and a slugging percentage of .471, he has demonstrated a balanced approach at the plate. Moreover, his contributions go beyond the basic stats. De La Cruz boasts a 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) this year, ranking fifth in the National League. This advanced metric quantifies his overall contribution to the Reds, reflecting not just his batting and baserunning but also his defensive prowess.
When examining WAR, De La Cruz is in elite company. The only players with a higher WAR this season are Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1). Being mentioned alongside these luminaries underscores De La Cruz's exceptional talent and potential.
A Shining Light in a Dim Season
Despite De La Cruz's heroics, the Cincinnati Reds have struggled this season, sitting on a 75-80 record and being eliminated from postseason contention. The franchise last tasted the playoffs during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season and has not replicated that success in a full 162-game season since 2013. This context makes De La Cruz’s individual milestones even more noteworthy, providing a beacon of hope for the Reds' faithful.
As Cincinnati looks to rebuild and retool for future seasons, De La Cruz stands out as a cornerstone around which the team can construct its strategy. His unique combination of power and speed forms a skill set that is increasingly rare in today's game, and his youth suggests that his best years are still ahead of him.
Future Outlook
The 2023 season has been a showcase of Elly De La Cruz's burgeoning talent. As the Reds move forward, the young star represents not just a statistical marvel but the heart and soul of what could be a new era for the team. Reds fans and baseball aficionados alike will undoubtedly watch with keen interest as De La Cruz continues to develop and strive for even greater heights in the seasons to come.
Elly De La Cruz may have had his breakout season during a tough stretch for the Reds, but his achievements shine all the brighter because of it. As he continues to hone his game, the Reds could very well find themselves back in contention, driven by the extraordinary talents of one of baseball's most exciting young players.