The Cincinnati Reds have rewarded rising star Elly De La Cruz with a major contract upgrade, solidifying their commitment to him as a central figure in their long-term plans. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz has already established himself as one of the most exciting young players in Major League Baseball. In only his second season, the dynamic shortstop led all of baseball with 67 stolen bases while also hitting 25 home runs. His combination of speed and power makes him a cornerstone of the Reds’ future.
The Reds, who finished the 2024 season in fourth place in the NL Central with a 77-85 record, are banking on De La Cruz’s continued development to help them take the next step toward becoming postseason contenders. Injuries to key players like infielder Matt McLain and outfielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand hindered the Reds’ progress during the season. However, De La Cruz’s standout performances provided a bright spot amid the struggles.
Alongside De La Cruz, the Reds also have young talent in their pitching staff, notably 24-year-old Hunter Greene. Greene had a strong 2024 season, finishing with a 9-5 record and a 2.75 ERA through 26 starts, solidifying his role as a key figure in the rotation. With De La Cruz leading the way offensively and Greene anchoring the pitching staff, the Reds are hoping to build a core that can contend for championships in the coming years.
This investment in De La Cruz is a signal that the Reds are committed to building around their youthful roster. The extension reflects the club’s intention to lock down its most valuable players early, ensuring they have a solid foundation moving forward. Reds fans can expect to see more moves centered around developing and retaining their top young talent as they look to make a push for playoff success in the near future.
In short, the Reds’ decision to reward De La Cruz with a contract upgrade underscores their belief in his ability to be a franchise player and lead the team to future success.
