Elly Antonio De La Cruz, born January 11, 2002, in Sabana Grande de Boya, Dominican Republic, has rapidly emerged as one of Major League Baseball’s most exciting and dynamic players. Since making his MLB debut with the Cincinnati Reds in June 2023, De La Cruz has captivated fans and analysts alike with his rare combination of power, speed, and arm strength, earning him a spot in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and a reputation as a generational talent.
Signed as an international free agent by the Reds in 2018, De La Cruz quickly made waves in the minor leagues. He was named the Reds’ Minor League Player of the Year, Baseball America’s Reds Minor League Player of the Year, and the Midwest League Prospect of the Year. His minor league dominance showcased his five-tool potential—hitting for power and average, blazing speed, excellent defense, and a cannon arm1.
At just 21 years old, De La Cruz debuted in the majors on June 6, 2023. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall, he is one of the tallest shortstops in MLB history, combining rare size with elite athleticism. His first major league home run was a mammoth 458-foot blast off the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 7. Just weeks later, he hit for the cycle against the Atlanta Braves, becoming the youngest player to do so since 1972 and the first Reds player since 1989 to achieve the feat1.
De La Cruz also made history by stealing second, third, and home in the same inning—the first Reds player to do so since 1919. His arm strength is unparalleled, breaking Statcast records with throws reaching nearly 98 mph from the infield1.
2025
By June 2025, De La Cruz has solidified his role as the Reds’ starting shortstop, boasting a .255 batting average with 56 home runs, 175 RBIs, and 123 stolen bases over 1,308 at-bats in his career. His recent form is even more impressive, hitting above .300 with multiple home runs and stolen bases in the last 30 games2.
Known for his electrifying speed—tied for the fastest sprint speed in MLB—and elite exit velocity, De La Cruz combines power hitting with aggressive baserunning. His defensive skills are equally impressive, featuring one of the strongest arms among infielders and excellent range13.
Teammates and experts praise De La Cruz’s rare blend of tools. Joey Votto called him “the best runner I’ve ever seen” with “the most power” and “strongest arm.” His unique physical gifts and fearless playing style have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats and have made him a cornerstone of the Reds’ future18.
As he continues to develop, Elly De La Cruz is poised to redefine what is possible at shortstop and become one of baseball’s brightest stars for years to come.