The Cincinnati Reds' young phenom, Elly De La Cruz, has made quite a statement this season, showcasing an impressive blend of power and speed that's rare in Major League Baseball (MLB). At just 22 years of age, De La Cruz has put together a standout season that places him among some of the game's elite.
De La Cruz has become the inaugural member of a new power/speed club, achieving milestones that highlight his unique skill set. One of his most notable achievements is joining Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson as one of the few players to steal 100 bases within their first two seasons. This achievement alone places him in the company of some of baseball’s greatest base stealers.
A Season of Milestones
On Saturday, De La Cruz added another accolade to his burgeoning career by hitting his 25th home run during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This feat made him the first shortstop in MLB history to record a season with at least 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases.
Furthermore, De La Cruz's dynamic performance on the field has made him just the fifth player ever to achieve the 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases milestone in a single season. Alongside his power-hitting numbers, De La Cruz boasts a .260 batting average, a .343 on-base percentage, and a .471 slugging percentage. These statistics not only illustrate his well-rounded offensive capabilities but also signify his key role in the Reds' lineup.
In terms of advanced metrics, De La Cruz has accumulated 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) this year. This figure ranks him fifth in the National League, underscoring his valuable contribution to his team. 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).
Team Performance
Despite De La Cruz’s individual brilliance, the Cincinnati Reds have struggled this season. With a record of 75-80, they have been eliminated from postseason contention. It's a disappointing end given their last playoff appearance was during the shortened 2020 season. The Reds have not been able to replicate that success over a full 162-game season since 2013.
The team's inconsistency doesn't overshadow the bright future De La Cruz represents for the Reds. His record-breaking season and rapid development suggest that he will be a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come. As the Reds look ahead to future seasons, building around a player of De La Cruz's caliber will be crucial for their aspirations of returning to the postseason.
A Bright Future Ahead
Looking to the future, De La Cruz's remarkable mix of power and speed positions him as one of the most exciting young talents in baseball. His achievements have already placed him in the history books, and if this season is any indication, he is just getting started. The Reds’ fans have much to look forward to as they watch this young star's career unfold.
While the 2023 season may not have gone as planned for Cincinnati, the emergence of Elly De La Cruz offers a silver lining. His ability to make an impact in multiple facets of the game provides a foundation that the Reds can build upon. Combining his talents with strategic team improvements could very well lead Cincinnati back to the postseason in the near future.
In a sport that venerates both power and speed, Elly De La Cruz stands out as a player who exemplifies both. His achievements this season provide a thrilling glimpse of what the future holds, not only for him but for the Cincinnati Reds as a whole.