Elly De La Cruz Sets Reds Stolen Base Milestone Despite Slow 2026 Pace

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz became the fastest player in Reds history to reach 150 stolen bases in his career in Friday night’s 3-0 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.

De La Cruz has battled injuries this season, missing almost the entire month of June, and he currently has 12 stolen bases, prompting some fans to question whether he is less committed to stealing bases than in the past. In his debut season in 2023, De La Cruz stole 35 bases in 98 games and then stole 67 bases in 2024, helping earn his first All-Star selection.

Those 67 steals are the 13th most in a season in Reds history, behind names like Eric Davis, Bid McPhee and the franchise’s all-time leader in stolen bases, Hugh Nicol, who stole 138 bases in 1887.

The Reds’ elite shortstop then stole just 37 bases in 2025 despite playing 162 games and is now on pace to steal fewer than 30 bases this season. According to Reds Daily on X, De La Cruz is just the 11th Reds player to record 150 stolen bases and 70 home runs during his time with the franchise.

The most dangerous base stealers to come through the Reds organization in the 21st century include Billy Hamilton, who stole 277 bases as a member of the Reds. Drew Stubbs also had success on the basepaths, stealing 40 bases in 2011. Everyone also remembers Brandon Phillips’ stellar 30-home run, 30-stolen base season in 2007.

De La Cruz getting back to his 2024 form in terms of stealing bases would be a big boost to the offense, which needs help anywhere it can get it. Since returning on June 23, De La Cruz is hitting .231 with a .326 on-base percentage and a .659 OPS, which is below what Reds fans expect from their star shortstop. He also has just one home run and 11 strikeouts in 46 plate appearances.

He is just now getting back into game shape after missing nearly a month because of a hamstring issue, but it’s fair to expect him to return to form at some point in the near future as the Reds are in a position where they need some help on offense to supplement what they have been getting from Sal Stewart. De La Cruz and JJ Bleday would be the logical options as players who need to step up for Cincinnati if the Reds want any hope of turning the season around. Especially from a power perspective, as the duo has combined for one home run since June 16.