This move is an interesting one for the Braves, as the superstar is only 27 years old. He has spent parts of four seasons in the MLB, primarily with the Miami Marlins, debuting in 2021. Over the years, his home run numbers have steadily increased: hitting five in 2021, 13 in 2022, 19 in 2023, and 21 last season. In 2023, he had 78 RBIs for the Marlins, and 68 RBIs in 2024 between the Marlins and the Pirates. However, his batting average has decreased as his power has grown, with a .257 average in 2023 and just .233 in 2024.
This signing makes sense for the Braves as they look to bolster their outfield depth. Ronald Acuña Jr. is recovering from a torn ACL, and the Braves traded Jorge Soler to the Los Angeles Angels earlier in the offseason.
Although the Braves finished third in the National League East, they made it to the playoffs before being eliminated in the wild card round by the San Diego Padres.
De La Cruz could serve as a platoon partner for Jarred Kelenic or potentially start games until Acuña Jr. returns.
Meanwhile, the Marlins struggled last season, finishing with a 62-100 record, second worst in the National League, ahead of only the Colorado Rockies. Their last playoff appearance was in 2023.
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