Elly De La Cruz: A Power-Speed Sensation
The 2023 baseball season has been nothing short of spectacular for Elly De La Cruz, the Cincinnati Reds' dynamic young star. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz has taken the league by storm with a rare combination of power and speed, solidifying his place as one of the most exciting players to watch in Major League Baseball.
De La Cruz achieved a remarkable milestone on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, hitting his 25th home run of the season. This accomplishment makes him the first shortstop in MLB history to post a season with at least 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases. This feat places him in elite company, as he becomes only the fifth player in the history of the game to achieve such numbers in a single season.
Moreover, De La Cruz has joined the ranks of Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson, becoming one of the rare players to steal 100 bases within their first two seasons. This remarkable achievement underscores his exceptional talent and versatility on the field.
Season Stats and Impact
De La Cruz's impact on the field is not just limited to his record-setting power and speed. He has maintained a solid .260 batting average, coupled with a .343 on-base percentage and a .471 slugging percentage. These figures reflect his all-around offensive prowess.
Evaluating his contributions further, De La Cruz has accrued an impressive 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) this season. This statistic highlights his invaluable contribution to the Reds, ranking him fifth in the National League. The only players with higher WAR are Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1), putting De La Cruz in esteemed company.
Team Performance and Future Prospects
While De La Cruz has enjoyed a standout individual season, the Cincinnati Reds have struggled collectively. Holding a record of 75-80, the Reds have been eliminated from postseason contention, a far cry from their last playoff appearance during the shortened 2020 season. The team has not experienced the success of the 2020 campaign in a full 162-game season since 2013.
Despite the team’s struggles, De La Cruz's emergence offers a beacon of hope for the future. His historic achievements this season provide a foundation for the Reds to build upon. With a young core and promising talent, the Reds' future could be bright if they can surround their rising star with complementary pieces.
Conclusion
Elly De La Cruz's 2023 season is one for the record books. As he continues to develop and refine his game, the Reds and their fans can look forward to many more seasons of excitement and exceptional performances. Although the Reds will not be part of the postseason this year, De La Cruz's remarkable achievements offer a silver lining and a glimpse into what could be a promising future for the Cincinnati Reds.