Elly De La Cruz was named a top shortstop in MLB this week.
The Cincinnati Reds continue to build around one of the most electric young players in baseball in shortstop Elly De La Cruz. Since arriving in the big leagues, De La Cruz has quickly become the face of the franchise, combining elite athleticism with game-changing ability on both sides of the ball. His presence alone has reshaped expectations in Cincinnati, and the league has taken notice.
That recognition became official this week when MLB Network announced its list of the top shortstops in baseball heading into the 2026 season.
De La Cruz was ranked No. 9 overall, placing him among the elite at one of the deepest positions in the sport. The ranking reflects not just his raw tools, but his growing impact as a franchise player for a rising Reds team.
De La Cruz’s 2025 season offered a clear snapshot of why he continues to earn national attention. Despite playing through a quad injury for a significant portion of the year, he remained one of Cincinnati’s most productive and valuable players.
The 24-year-old finished the season with a .264 batting average, .336 on-base percentage and .777 OPS across 162 games. He totaled 22 home runs, drove in 86 runs, scored 102 times and stole 37 bases, once again showcasing his rare power-speed combination.
What stood out most was his ability to stay impactful even while not fully healthy. The quad issue limited his explosiveness at times, yet he still pressured opposing defenses with his speed and continued to produce in the middle of the lineup. His durability and willingness to play through discomfort helped keep the Reds competitive deep into the season as they pushed for a playoff spot.
De La Cruz played a central role in keeping the team in the hunt, helping them clinch a postseason berth on the final day of the regular season. His defensive range at shortstop, paired with his offensive production, stabilized a young roster still finding its identity.
This offseason, De La Cruz’s importance to the franchise has been further highlighted by contract extension discussions. The Reds reportedly approached him with an extension that would have been the largest in team history, signaling their desire to lock him up long-term. While no deal has been finalized, the talks alone underline how strongly Cincinnati views him as a foundational piece moving forward.
Being ranked ninth among MLB shortstops is less a ceiling than a checkpoint for De La Cruz. With his age, athletic profile and continued development, he appears poised to climb even higher. If he enters 2026 fully healthy, the Reds may have one of the most dangerous shortstops in baseball leading the next phase of their ascent.