Done Deal:Cincinnati Reds Sign Elly De La Cruz to Long-Term Contract as Jonathan India’s replacement sealed Deal
Time is Now For Cincinnati Reds Should Sign Elly De La Cruz to Long-Term Contract
The Cincinnati Reds find themselves at a pivotal moment in their rebuilding process, with their future brightened by the emergence of several young stars. Among the most electrifying of these players is Elly De La Cruz, the Dominican-born shortstop who has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting talents in Major League Baseball. With his combination of power, speed, and defensive ability, De La Cruz represents the future of the franchise, and as he continues to develop into one of the game’s brightest young stars, the time has come for the Reds to consider locking him up to a long-term contract. Doing so would not only secure a cornerstone player for years to come but would also send a strong message to both the fanbase and the rest of the league that the Reds are serious about building a competitive, sustainable team.
The Case for Signing Elly De La Cruz to a Long-Term Deal
1. A Rare Talent
Since his Major League debut in 2023, Elly De La Cruz has displayed a unique blend of skills that set him apart from many of his peers. At just 22 years old, he has already shown an elite level of performance on both sides of the ball, something that is extremely rare for a player his age. He possesses game-changing speed, routinely stealing bases with ease, and has the type of raw power that can change the course of a game in an instant. His bat speed, combined with his elite hand-eye coordination, allows him to make solid contact with pitches across the strike zone, giving him a combination of power and contact ability that few young players possess.
In 2023, De La Cruz quickly became known for his ability to turn on fastballs, hit for power to all fields, and generate exit velocities that put him in the conversation with the league’s elite hitters. Defensively, he is a dynamic shortstop, with an impressive arm, quick reflexes, and the ability to cover vast amounts of ground. His range and athleticism make him an excellent defender at a key position, adding value to the team in ways that go beyond his offensive output.
2. Team-Controlled Talent
For the Reds, the window of opportunity to sign De La Cruz to a long-term contract is now, before he hits arbitration and potentially free agency. De La Cruz has been under team control since 2021, and under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), he won’t be eligible for free agency until 2029. However, this also means that the Reds have a relatively limited window of time before De La Cruz’s salary demands increase significantly, both due to the arbitration process and the increasing market value of young stars.
By offering De La Cruz a long-term extension now, the Reds could secure him at a more reasonable price relative to what he could command in the future. Players of his caliber typically enter arbitration with impressive leverage, and the market for elite players only continues to grow. Waiting too long to extend him might cost the team significantly more in the long run, as he could become one of the top earners in baseball if he continues his trajectory of development.
3. Setting the Tone for the Future
Signing De La Cruz to a long-term deal would send a powerful message to both the fans and other players within the organization. It would signal that the Reds are serious about competing in the near future and are committed to building a roster around their young, homegrown talent. For a franchise that has been in a rebuilding phase for several years, locking up a player like De La Cruz represents a decisive step toward contending.
De La Cruz could be the centerpiece of the Reds’ future, and his potential long-term commitment to the team would help to set the tone for future signings, including potential extensions for other promising young players such as Spencer Steer, Hunter Greene, and Nick Lodolo. It could also help the Reds in their efforts to attract other key free agents or trade for other impact players, as a clear commitment to winning can be an enticing factor for those looking for stable, long-term opportunities.
4. Fanbase Engagement and Loyalty
The Reds’ fanbase has long been passionate but has also experienced significant frustration over