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The Cincinnati Reds have had an up-and-down season so far. They are currently 26-24 on the year, but what has helped them stay competitive has been the play of shortstop Elly De La Cruz.
Through 50 games, he has posted a .290 batting average, .356 on-base percentage, .881 OPS, 11 home runs and 32 RBIs.
He is back to being one of the best players in the league, providing an all-around impact and serving as the face of the franchise. Along with Sal Stewart, he is one of the only players producing consistently in the lineup.
When asked about whether he is having the season he hoped for, De La Cruz responded, “I don’t think about that stuff." He added, "I just go out there to do my part every day (h/t Charlie Goldsmith of FOX19).
The question stems from De La Cruz’s second half of 2025. He entered this season with real questions surrounding him. Last year, even though he earned a second straight All-Star selection, he dealt with left quad tightness in the second half and really struggled. He completely lost all of his power, going weeks without hitting any home runs. His overall production also dipped noticeably. During Cincinnati’s postseason run he was even demoted in the lineup by manager Terry Franoona as the Reds tried to find more consistent offense.
That is what makes his return to form in his fourth season so important. De La Cruz looks fully healthy again, and the explosiveness that defines his game has returned. He is impacting games in every way, from power to speed to defense, and he has once again become the player the Reds expect him to be. Cincinnati did try to sign De La Cruz to an extension this past offseason, even offering a contract that would make him the highest-paid player in franchise history. He did it turn it down however.
If the Reds make the postseason for the second straight year, it will be because of De La Cruz’s efforts. Cincinnati still needs more consistency from the rest of the lineup, but having De La Cruz performing at an elite level gives them a chance every night.
The Reds are still trying to find their groove, but with their superstar shortstop back to playing like one of the most best players in baseball, they have a foundation strong enough to keep them in the playoff race deep into the summer as long as they get healthier.
Continue reading...
Through 50 games, he has posted a .290 batting average, .356 on-base percentage, .881 OPS, 11 home runs and 32 RBIs.
He is back to being one of the best players in the league, providing an all-around impact and serving as the face of the franchise. Along with Sal Stewart, he is one of the only players producing consistently in the lineup.
When asked about whether he is having the season he hoped for, De La Cruz responded, “I don’t think about that stuff." He added, "I just go out there to do my part every day (h/t Charlie Goldsmith of FOX19).
The question stems from De La Cruz’s second half of 2025. He entered this season with real questions surrounding him. Last year, even though he earned a second straight All-Star selection, he dealt with left quad tightness in the second half and really struggled. He completely lost all of his power, going weeks without hitting any home runs. His overall production also dipped noticeably. During Cincinnati’s postseason run he was even demoted in the lineup by manager Terry Franoona as the Reds tried to find more consistent offense.
That is what makes his return to form in his fourth season so important. De La Cruz looks fully healthy again, and the explosiveness that defines his game has returned. He is impacting games in every way, from power to speed to defense, and he has once again become the player the Reds expect him to be. Cincinnati did try to sign De La Cruz to an extension this past offseason, even offering a contract that would make him the highest-paid player in franchise history. He did it turn it down however.
If the Reds make the postseason for the second straight year, it will be because of De La Cruz’s efforts. Cincinnati still needs more consistency from the rest of the lineup, but having De La Cruz performing at an elite level gives them a chance every night.
The Reds are still trying to find their groove, but with their superstar shortstop back to playing like one of the most best players in baseball, they have a foundation strong enough to keep them in the playoff race deep into the summer as long as they get healthier.
Continue reading...
