Elly De La Cruz: A Season to Remember for the Cincinnati Reds' Rising Star
The 2023 season has been a remarkable one for the Cincinnati Reds' Elly De La Cruz. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz has solidified his status as one of baseball's elite talents, showcasing an impressive blend of power and speed that has placed him in rare company.
Joining an Elite Group
This season, Elly De La Cruz achieved what few players have. By stealing 100 bases in his first two seasons, he joined the likes of Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson. On Saturday, De La Cruz hammered his 25th home run in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking another significant milestone.
In doing so, De La Cruz etched his name into the history books as the first shortstop to record at least 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases in a single season. He becomes only the fifth player in baseball history to reach this statistical threshold, a testament to his exceptional athleticism and versatility.
Impressive Statistics
The Reds' star also stands out statistically. De La Cruz has posted a .260 batting average, a .343 on-base percentage, and a .471 slugging percentage, showcasing his well-rounded offensive capabilities. Furthermore, his 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) this year ranks fifth in the National League, trailing only the likes of Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1).
Reds' Struggles
Despite De La Cruz's individual brilliance, the Cincinnati Reds have had a challenging season. With a record of 75-80, the team has been eliminated from postseason contention. Their last playoff appearance came during the shortened 2020 season, and they have not been able to replicate that success over a full 162-game season since 2013.
Looking Forward
While the Reds face the offseason with much to ponder and improve upon, the emergence of Elly De La Cruz gives them a beacon of hope. His historic achievements and standout performances this season have provided Reds fans with a glimpse into a potentially bright future. As he continues to develop and refine his game, De La Cruz could very well be the cornerstone upon which the Reds build their next great team.
For now, though, Elly De La Cruz has given baseball a season that's hard to forget. His unique combination of power, speed, and skill assures that he's a player to watch in the coming years. The Cincinnati Reds may not have reached their goals this season, but with De La Cruz in their ranks, there's plenty of reason for optimism.