Elly De La Cruz: A Season to Remember for the Cincinnati Reds' Young Star
As the 2023 MLB season winds down, Cincinnati Reds' shortstop Elly De La Cruz has made a lasting impression with his extraordinary blend of power and speed. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz has etched his name into baseball history, becoming the first shortstop ever to post a season with at least 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases.
De La Cruz's remarkable performance cements him as the fifth player in Major League Baseball history to achieve this milestone in a single season. On Saturday, in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he launched his 25th home run, adding to his already impressive tally of stolen bases. His dual-threat capability has positioned him among the elite, joining the ranks of legends like Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson, both of whom managed to steal 100 bases within their first two seasons.
Quick Stats, Big Impact
Over the course of this standout season, De La Cruz has maintained a .260 batting average, accompanied by a .343 on-base percentage and a .471 slugging percentage. His all-around offensive capability has translated into an impressive 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR)—a metric that ranks him fifth in the National League.
To put this into perspective, the only players with higher WAR this season are baseball luminaries Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1). De La Cruz's fifth-place ranking in this esteemed company demonstrates his significant value to the Reds, despite their overall struggles this season.
Team Struggles Amid Individual Success
While De La Cruz has thrived individually, the Cincinnati Reds have had a tough year. Currently sitting at a record of 75-80, the team has been officially eliminated from postseason contention. The Reds' last playoff appearance came during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, and they have not been able to replicate that success in a full 162-game season since 2013.
Despite the team’s disappointing performance, De La Cruz's achievements have provided a glimmer of hope for Reds fans. His historic season offers a promising glimpse into the future, where his combination of power and speed could be a cornerstone for the franchise moving forward.
A Star in the Making
Elly De La Cruz's entry into the upper echelons of the power-speed club is more than just impressive statistics; it symbolizes a new era for the Cincinnati Reds. As he continues to round out his game, the young star has already proven that he can compete with the best in the league.
However, the Reds will need more than De La Cruz's brilliance to turn their fortunes around. The team must address its broader issues to capitalize on the unique talents of their rising star. Nonetheless, his exceptional season has laid a strong foundation for what could be a very bright future for both De La Cruz and the Cincinnati Reds.
With a full season now under his belt, Elly De La Cruz has shown he has the potential to be not just a cornerstone for his team but also one of the most exciting players in Major League Baseball. As the 2023 season draws to a close, Reds fans can take solace in knowing that their young phenom is just getting started.