In an impressive season marked by both power and speed, Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz has truly made his mark. At only 22 years old, De La Cruz has distinguished himself in remarkable fashion, becoming the first player in MLB history to be a charter member of a new power/speed club.
This season, De La Cruz joined the elite ranks of Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson as one of the few players to have stolen 100 bases within their first two seasons. His dynamic presence on the field was further underscored on Saturday, when he hit his 25th home run during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Setting Records
De La Cruz's achievements don't stop there. In this standout season, he has become the first shortstop to post a season with at least 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases. This rare combination of power and speed has placed him in a prestigious group as only the fifth player in baseball history to accomplish this feat.
Statistics underline his significant contributions to the Reds’ lineup. With a .260 batting average, a .343 on-base percentage, and a .471 slugging percentage, De La Cruz has proven to be a formidable presence at the plate. His performance metrics further emphasize his outstanding performance, with a 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) this year, ranking him fifth in the National League.
Amongst the Elite
When looking at the broader context of the league, De La Cruz's 4.9 WAR is a testament to his value. The only players with higher WAR this season are Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1). This places De La Cruz among the elite, demonstrating his considerable impact on the game despite his youth.
While the Cincinnati Reds have had a challenging season with a 75-80 record, De La Cruz's individual achievements shine brightly. Unfortunately, the Reds have been eliminated from postseason contention, and their last playoff appearance dates back to the shortened 2020 season. The team has struggled to replicate the success of that season in a full 162-game schedule since 2013.
Future Prospects
Despite the Reds' overall performance, De La Cruz offers a beacon of hope and a sign of future potential for the franchise. His combination of power, speed, and on-field intelligence marks him as a player to watch in the coming seasons. As he continues to develop, Reds fans can look forward to his continued contributions and the possibility of leading the team to greater heights.
In a league that constantly seeks the next big thing, Elly De La Cruz has established himself as not just a rising star, but a luminary in the making. His historic performances this season have not only placed him in the record books but have also provided a solid foundation for what promises to be an exciting career ahead.
The Cincinnati Reds may have faced setbacks this season, but with a talent like De La Cruz on their roster, the future holds potential and promise. His remarkable achievements this year will be remembered as a bright spot, setting a high bar for what is to come.