Elly de la Cruz, the 23-year-old sensation and 2024 All-Star, has been a standout player for the Cincinnati Reds during his first two MLB seasons, stealing an impressive 67 bases and hitting 25 home runs last year. The Dominican shortstop’s exceptional blend of power, speed, and a powerful arm makes him the cornerstone of the Reds’ future as they aim to return to contention. Projections for 2025 expect him to hit 26 home runs, steal 53 bases, and post an .803 OPS, marking a strong progression in his third season. However, a Reds legend believes his potential exceeds these more conservative forecasts.
Sean Casey, who played for the Reds from 1999-2005 and made three All-Star teams during that span, projects that de la Cruz will have an absurdly good 2025 season. “When you watch Elly De La Cruz play, there’s another level for this guy, there really is,” Casey said on The Mayor’s Office podcast. “It’s one of those levels you’re like, is he Ronald Acuna Jr. 40-70? Is he Shohei Ohtani 50-50?”
Casey noted that Reds manager Terry Francona’s visit to watch de la Cruz play in the Dominican Winter League reinforced his role as the team’s future cornerstone. Over the offseason, the Reds made several key additions, bringing in Francona as manager and acquiring Gavin Lux, Brady Singer, Jose Trevino, and veteran outfielder Austin Hays. With these moves, the team is aiming to reach the playoffs for the first time in a full season since 2013, in what promises to be a highly competitive NL Central division this year.
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