Nathaniel Lowe had a message for his new teammate Elly De La Cruz at Reds spring training.
Spring training has already created plenty of excitement for the Cincinnati Reds, especially surrounding the dynamic presence of shortstop Elly De La Cruz. As one of baseball’s most electrifying young players, De La Cruz continues to draw attention from teammates and fans alike, including new Reds first baseman Nathaniel Lowe.
Lowe, who joined Cincinnati this offseason on a minor league deal with an invitation to major league camp, has had a front‑row seat to De La Cruz’s impressive spring performance. The veteran slugger signed with the Reds in February, and if he earns a spot on the active roster, he will make $1.75 million this season.
The 30‑year‑old Lowe has quickly noticed the impact De La Cruz brings to the lineup, particularly with his power.
“Hitting behind him is a tough act to follow when he hits one 500 feet to dead center,” Lowe said when talking about De La Cruz, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX19.
De La Cruz has established himself as the centerpiece of the Reds lineup since debuting three years ago, spending his entire major league career in Cincinnati. The two‑time All‑Star even turned down a massive contract extension this past offseason that would have made him the highest‑paid player in franchise history, signaling confidence in his long‑term value and future earnings potential.
Despite battling a left quad injury during the second half of the 2025 season, De La Cruz still delivered strong overall numbers. He finished the year with a career‑high .264 batting average, along with a .336 on‑base percentage and a .777 OPS. He also contributed 22 home runs, 86 RBIs and 37 stolen bases while appearing in all 162 games.
The injury clearly slowed him late in the season, which makes this spring particularly important as he looks to reestablish himself as one of the most dangerous players in the National League. Early indications suggest he is well on his way, with teammates already taking notice of his explosive power.
Lowe, meanwhile, is hoping to carve out his own role with the Reds after an up‑and‑down 2025 season. The former Texas Rangers standout previously earned both a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger during his time in Texas, showcasing defensive excellence and middle‑of‑the‑order power.
Last season, however, Lowe struggled while splitting time between the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox. Across 153 games, he posted a .228 batting average with a .307 on‑base percentage and a .689 OPS, adding 18 home runs and 84 RBIs.