Done Deal: Cincinnati Reds Make Intriguing $95 Million Elly De La Cruz Move
In a groundbreaking and intriguing move that has captivated the baseball world, the Cincinnati Reds have secured a $95 million deal with one of the most highly anticipated young talents in Major League Baseball—Elly De La Cruz. Known for his blend of raw athleticism, power, and a burgeoning skillset, De La Cruz is a player who has already sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike.
This deal is not just significant because of the amount of money involved, but also because it marks the Reds’ long-term commitment to building a championship-caliber team around their most dynamic young star.
The deal, which officially locks De La Cruz into a long-term contract with the Reds, has been met with widespread praise and some skepticism, as the team signals its intent to move forward with the Dominican shortstop as one of the cornerstones of their rebuild. The financials of the contract are substantial, but what’s equally significant is the opportunity for the Reds to capitalize on the potential of a generational talent at the height of his powers.
Elly De La Cruz: A Meteoric Rise
Elly De La Cruz’s rise through the ranks of the Cincinnati Reds’ farm system has been nothing short of meteoric. Signed as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, De La Cruz quickly became one of the top prospects in the organization. His combination of power, speed, and defensive potential made him an easy standout in the Reds’ system, and by 2021, he was regarded as one of the top 10 prospects in all of baseball.
De La Cruz’s skill set is rare for a player of his age. At 6’5″ and around 200 pounds, the young shortstop combines an athletic build with extraordinary speed. His power potential is also immense, and his raw strength is evident in his ability to launch balls to all parts of the field, particularly to the pull side. His swing is smooth, and while still developing, it has shown a natural ability to adapt to higher levels of competition. He’s an exceptional athlete with one of the fastest bats in the minor leagues, and his ability to hit for both power and average makes him a potential five-tool player.
In addition to his offense, De La Cruz has impressed scouts with his defense. His arm strength is elite, and his range at shortstop is above average, giving him the potential to become one of the game’s premier defenders at the position. His combination of tools made him an obvious choice to become the Reds’ next face of the franchise.
De La Cruz’s call-up to the major leagues in 2023 was met with much anticipation, and he did not disappoint. In his debut season, he showed glimpses of the promise that had the Reds’ front office so excited. He flashed his power with multiple home runs, and his speed on the basepaths quickly became a key component of the Reds’ offense. Though he still has room to refine his game, particularly in terms of plate discipline and consistency, his upside is undeniable.
The $95 Million Deal: A Statement of Intent
The financial terms of the deal are notable, as they represent one of the largest contracts ever handed out to a player with limited major league experience. At $95 million, this contract is a significant investment in De La Cruz’s future, and it indicates that the Reds are betting heavily on his potential to become one of the cornerstones of their franchise.
While some fans and analysts might question the size of the deal, given that De La Cruz is still in the early stages of his major league career, the Reds’ front office clearly sees something special in him. In many ways, this contract reflects the trend in modern baseball of locking up young talent before they hit the open market. With De La Cruz’s potential to be an MVP-caliber player and the Reds’ long-term vision for rebuilding, this deal is an investment in both their future and the future of the franchise.
The Reds are hoping to avoid a scenario where they lose one of their most valuable assets to free agency after only a few seasons. MLB teams have increasingly turned to early extensions for their young stars, as seen in the deals signed by players like Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, and Vladímir Guerrero Jr. This approach ensures that teams can maintain control over the careers of their brightest talents while also giving the player financial security early on in their career.
For the Reds, this deal is not just about securing De La Cruz for the long term—it’s also a statement of intent. The team is making it clear that they are not content to merely build a competitive roster for a short window of time. Instead, they’re aiming for sustained success. By locking down their best young player, the Reds are building a team around a dynamic, marketable, and electric talent who could potentially elevate the franchise to new heights.
The Risk and Reward of the Move