The Cincinnati Reds may have found their next franchise cornerstone in 23-year-old shortstop Elly De La Cruz. A 2024 All-Star, De La Cruz has already dazzled fans with his rare blend of power, speed, and defensive prowess. After a stellar sophomore campaign that saw him blast 25 home runs and swipe 67 bases, one former Reds great believes that the best is yet to come.
A former Cincinnati All-Star, who knows firsthand what it takes to perform under the bright lights of Great American Ball Park, has boldly predicted that De La Cruz is on the verge of a historic breakout. With an electrifying playing style reminiscent of baseball’s most dynamic stars, the young Dominican shortstop could be gearing up for a season that cements his place among the league’s elite.
A Rare Skillset That Could Change the Reds’ Future
De La Cruz is not just another promising young player—he possesses a generational skillset. His elite speed makes him a constant threat on the basepaths, while his raw power gives the Reds a middle-of-the-order bat capable of game-changing moments. Add in his defensive range and an arm that has drawn comparisons to some of the strongest in baseball, and it’s easy to see why he’s being touted as the key to Cincinnati’s resurgence.
“Guys like him don’t come around often,” the former Reds All-Star noted. “We’re talking about someone who could be a 30-home run, 70-steal type of player if everything clicks. That’s historic territory.”
The Path to Superstardom
For De La Cruz, the challenge now is refining his game. While his raw ability is undeniable, improving his plate discipline and cutting down on strikeouts could be the key to unlocking his full potential. If he takes that next step, the Reds might have their first true superstar since Joey Votto’s prime years.
As Cincinnati looks to return to postseason relevance, having a player of De La Cruz’s caliber leading the charge could be the turning point. With a growing young core and a potential MVP-caliber talent at shortstop, the Reds may be closer to contention than many expect.
If the predictions hold true, 2025 could be the year Elly De La Cruz not only dominates the league but rewrites the record books in the process.
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