Elly De La Cruz: A Season to Remember for Cincinnati's Rising Star
The 2023 season has been marked by the stellar performance of Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who has showcased an impressive blend of power and speed that has caught the attention of the baseball world. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz has cemented his place among baseball’s elite with a combination of milestones and statistics that highlight his tremendous potential.
One of De La Cruz's most remarkable feats this season was achieving a rare combination of 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases, making him the first shortstop to ever reach such numbers in a single season. This achievement also places him alongside legends, as he becomes one of just five players in baseball history to join this exclusive club.
In a recent game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, De La Cruz hit his 25th home run, a significant milestone that underscores his power-hitting capabilities. This achievement adds to his growing list of accolades and serves as a testament to his all-around abilities on the field.
De La Cruz's impressive season isn't just about personal milestones; his statistical contributions have been substantial as well. He finishes the season with a .260 batting average, a .343 on-base percentage, and a .471 slugging percentage. These figures reflect his consistent performance at the plate and his ability to be a constant threat to opposing pitchers.
Beyond the traditional stats, De La Cruz's value can also be seen in advanced metrics. He has posted a 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) this year, ranking him fifth in the National League. This places him in esteemed company, with only Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1) performing better in terms of WAR this season.
It’s not just his offensive prowess that stands out. De La Cruz has become a charter member of a new power/speed club, joining the likes of Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson as one of the few players to steal 100 bases in their first two seasons. This comparison to some of the game's greatest is a reflection of his exceptional speed and base-running intelligence.
Despite De La Cruz's individual success, the Cincinnati Reds struggled throughout the season, finishing with a 75-80 record and missing the postseason. This marks the team's continued playoff drought since their last appearance in the shortened 2020 season. The Reds have not been able to replicate that success in a full 162-game season since 2013.
The Reds' elimination from postseason contention is undoubtedly a disappointment for fans, but the emergence of Elly De La Cruz provides a bright spot and hope for the future. His contributions this season have not gone unnoticed and have established him as a cornerstone player for the franchise moving forward.
As the Reds look to build and improve in the upcoming seasons, the performance and development of Elly De La Cruz will be a critical component of their strategy. His blend of power, speed, and overall talent suggests that he could become one of the premier players in Major League Baseball.
Elly De La Cruz’s breakout season serves as a reminder that even in a challenging year for the team, individual excellence can still shine through. The young star's achievements this season are significant, setting the stage for what could be a long and prosperous career. Cincinnati fans have every reason to be excited about what the future holds for their budding superstar.