Elly De La Cruz, born on January 11, 2002, in Sabana Grande de Boyá, Dominican Republic, is a professional baseball shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 200 pounds, he is known for his exceptional speed and power.
Career Highlights:
- Major League Debut: De La Cruz made his MLB debut with the Reds on June 6, 2023.
- 2023 Season: In his rookie year, he played 103 games, hitting 13 home runs, stealing 35 bases, and achieving a batting average of .235.
- 2024 Season: He significantly improved his performance, earning a spot in the All-Star Game. He finished the season with 25 home runs and 67 stolen bases, making him the first shortstop in MLB history to reach the 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases milestone in a single season.
- Career Milestone: In September 2024, De La Cruz became only the third player since 1900 to accumulate 100 stolen bases in their first two MLB seasons, joining Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson.
- 2025 Season: As of March 27, 2025, De La Cruz has continued his impressive form, contributing significantly in the Reds’ season opener against the San Francisco Giants, where he walked and singled in his first two at-bats, scoring twice.
Personal Background:
Growing up in the Dominican Republic, De La Cruz has eight older siblings. He signed with the Reds as an international free agent in 2018 and made his professional debut in 2019.
Recent Developments:
In January 2025, De La Cruz was announced as the cover athlete for MLB The Show 25, becoming the first Reds player to feature on the game’s cover.
Off the field, De La Cruz has expressed his enjoyment of Cincinnati chili, stating, “It’s OK,” and has shared his positive experiences dining at local restaurants.