Terry Francona compared Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz to an MLB superstar.
Expectations are nothing new for Elly De La Cruz, but this spring feels especially important as the Cincinnati Reds prepare for a season with real playoff aspirations. After reaching the postseason last year, Cincinnati is looking to take another step forward, and much of that hinges on the continued development of its dynamic young star.
De La Cruz has already established himself as one of the most electrifying players in baseball. A two‑time All‑Star with elite speed, power and defensive ability, he impacts the game in nearly every way possible. However, his 2025 season was not without challenges. Playing through a left quad injury, he finished with a .264 batting average, a .336 on‑base percentage and a .777 OPS, along with 22 home runs and 86 RBIs across 162 games.
Now healthy, De La Cruz enters spring training with a chance to reset and elevate his game even further. That makes his role even more critical for a Reds team aiming for back‑to‑back playoff appearances in a competitive National League.
Earlier this week, manager Terry Francona offered a telling comparison while discussing his young star on a Foul Territory appearance. Francona said, “Somebody asked me the other day, how about managing Jose Ramirez? You don't manage him. You just wind him up and get out of his way. And that's a good thing. Other players follow him and Elly [De La Cruz] is the same here where guys watch him.”
It is high praise, especially considering Francona’s history with Jose Ramirez. During his time managing the Cleveland organization, Francona spent more than a decade alongside Ramirez, who developed into the face of the franchise and a seven‑time All‑Star. Known for his consistency, leadership and all‑around production, Ramirez set the standard for what a cornerstone player looks like.
Comparing De La Cruz to that caliber of player speaks volumes. It suggests not only superstar potential, but also the kind of presence that can influence an entire clubhouse.
That leadership will be especially important after De La Cruz turned down a contract extension from Cincinnati this offseason, signaling confidence in his future value and long‑term ceiling. With that decision comes added pressure, but also opportunity.
If De La Cruz can take another step forward, particularly in maintaining consistency at the plate, he has the tools to elevate both his individual profile and the Reds’ postseason chances.
For Cincinnati, the equation is simple. When De La Cruz is playing at his best, the team becomes significantly more dangerous. And if Francona’s comparison proves accurate, the Reds may already have their version of a franchise‑defining player leading the way.