The Cincinnati Reds' 2023 season has witnessed the meteoric rise of Elly De La Cruz, a 22-year-old who has seamlessly combined power and speed to deliver an astonishing performance. De La Cruz, who has become the charter member of a new power/speed club, has not only displayed his prowess on the field but has also joined the ranks of baseball legends.
A Season to Remember
On Saturday, De La Cruz continued to etch his name in the record books by hitting his 25th home run during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This remarkable feat made him the first shortstop in MLB history to record a season with at least 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases. To put this achievement into perspective, he is only the fifth player in baseball history to achieve such numbers in a single season.
Additionally, De La Cruz has showcased his speed on the bases, joining the likes of Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson as one of the only players to steal 100 bases in their first two seasons. Such accomplishments are a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.
Statistical Milestones
Beyond his home runs and stolen bases, De La Cruz has demonstrated his all-around capability with a solid .260 batting average, a .343 on-base percentage, and a .471 slugging percentage. These numbers not only highlight his hitting skills but also his ability to get on base and create opportunities for his team.
Moreover, his 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) ranks fifth in the National League, underscoring his critical role for the Cincinnati Reds. Players with a higher WAR this season include Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1).
Team Performance and Future Prospects
Unfortunately, despite De La Cruz's individual brilliance, the Cincinnati Reds have struggled as a team. With a record of 75-80, the Reds have been eliminated from postseason contention. This marks yet another year where the Reds have failed to replicate the success of their 2020 playoff appearance during the shortened season. The last time they found similar success in a full 162-game season was in 2013.
Though the Reds' playoff hopes have been dashed, De La Cruz’s standout season offers a beacon of hope for the future. His blend of power, speed, and consistency provides a strong foundation upon which the team can build. It remains to be seen how the Reds will capitalize on his talents and bolster their lineup to mount a more competitive campaign in the coming seasons.
In a game governed by statistical analysis and dominated by seasoned veterans, the ascendancy of Elly De La Cruz offers a refreshing narrative. At just 22 years of age, he has managed to captivate the hearts of Reds fans and baseball enthusiasts alike, proving that the sport's future remains bright and unpredictable.
As the Reds look ahead to the upcoming seasons, the remarkable achievements of Elly De La Cruz will undoubtedly serve as both a inspiration and a challenge to his teammates and the organization at large. While this season may not have yielded the collective success the team hoped for, individual performances like De La Cruz's ensure that the future remains promising for Cincinnati's storied franchise.
Indeed, while the Reds may be down for now, the rise of Elly De La Cruz suggests that brighter days are on the horizon. His exceptional blend of power, speed, and all-around play will be a cornerstone for the Reds as they strive to return to postseason glory.