In a season where highlights and high hopes are often interwoven, Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz stands out as a beacon of power and speed. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz has clinched his place in baseball history, becoming the charter member of a new power/speed club and joining the rarefied air of players like Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson. De La Cruz distinguished himself this season by achieving 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases, a milestone that makes him not only the first shortstop to do so but also the fifth player in baseball history to reach these numbers within a single season.
A Record-Setting Milestone
De La Cruz's standout performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates served as the latest chapter in a season full of heroic feats. On Saturday, he drove his 25th home run out of the park, cementing his place in the annals of Reds history. With every stolen base and each swing of the bat, De La Cruz has demonstrated his exceptional talent and versatility, two attributes that have long been coveted in the world of baseball.
Adding to his accolades, De La Cruz posted a .260 batting average, along with a .343 on-base percentage and a .471 slugging percentage. These statistics underline a season marked not only by moments of individual brilliance but also by a consistent performance that has seen him amass 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), ranking him fifth in the National League. Only players like Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1) have posted higher WAR numbers this season, putting De La Cruz in elite company.
Redemption and Resilience
While De La Cruz shines brightly, the Cincinnati Reds as a team have faced a season of challenges. Holding a record of 75-80, the Reds have been eliminated from postseason contention, marking another step in a frustrating cycle of coming up short since their last playoff appearance during the shortened 2020 season. The Reds have struggled to replicate the success of that season in a full 162-game format since 2013, highlighting the disconnect between moments of individual brilliance and team achievement.
Beyond the Numbers
A closer look at De La Cruz’s season reveals more than just impressive statistics. His ability to combine power and speed sets him apart, echoing the legacy of players like Coleman and Henderson who dominated the field with their baserunning prowess. His historical achievement of stealing 100 bases in his first two seasons starkly contrasts with the modern game where stolen bases have become a rare feat.
Despite the Reds' team struggles, De La Cruz's performance has provided a glimmer of hope and excitement for the fans. Each stolen base and each home run serves as a reminder of what is possible when raw talent meets relentless drive. Reds fans, while disappointed by the team’s overall performance, can find solace in the knowledge that they are witnessing a star in the making, someone who could change the fortunes of the team in the seasons to come.
Looking Ahead
As the Cincinnati Reds turn their sights to the future, Elly De La Cruz stands as a central figure in their plans. The journey from a promising prospect to a record-setting star has been swift and filled with milestones, but there is still room for growth. With a combination of power and speed that is rarely seen, De La Cruz is poised to continue his upward trajectory, potentially leading the Reds to the success they have long been yearning for.
Baseball is a game of numbers, but it's also a game of stories. Elly De La Cruz's 2023 season is one that will be told for many years to come—a narrative of youthful exuberance, raw talent, and the pursuit of excellence. The Reds may not have found team success this year, but in De La Cruz, they have found a cornerstone upon which to build their future.