Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is looking to bounce back in a big way.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz experienced a roller-coaster season in 2025. He opened the year on a high note, earning his second consecutive All-Star selection thanks to a strong first half. However, after the break, the 23-year-old switch hitter struggled to maintain consistency. By the time the Reds reached the postseason, manager Terry Francona had dropped him to the bottom of the lineup.
The dip in production was not without explanation. De La Cruz played through a significant left quad strain, choosing to remain on the field because of his commitment to the team. Despite the injury, he still produced solid numbers across 162 games, finishing with a .264 batting average, .336 on-base percentage, .777 OPS, 22 home runs and 86 RBIs. His efforts placed him 23rd in National League MVP voting, a reminder that even in a down stretch he remained a valuable contributor.
Looking ahead to 2026, De La Cruz’s performance will be pivotal in determining how far Cincinnati can go. According to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, there is reason to believe he could reach an impressive milestone next season, predicting a 30-home run, 30-stolen base campaign.
“With 18 home runs in the first half of 2025, De La Cruz seemed poised to easily smash the 30–30 plateau. Then he hit only four homers after the All-Star break while stealing 37 bases overall. He was playing through a left quad injury and showing fatigue in general from playing all 162 games,” Sheldon wrote.
“During the Winter Meetings, manager Terry Francona said he planned to give his two-time All-Star more days off to keep him fresher. And that could be all De La Cruz needs to be the first 30–30 hitter for Cincinnati since Brandon Phillips in 2007.”
If De La Cruz accomplishes the feat, he would become the first Reds player to do so in nearly two decades, joining franchise legend Brandon Phillips in that exclusive club. The biggest question surrounding the prediction is not his speed. De La Cruz stole 67 bases in 2024 to lead MLB, and even while battling injury last season he swiped 37 bags.
The challenge lies in the power department. He has yet to reach 30 home runs in his three-year career, and with Francona planning to give him more rest, the path to that benchmark will not be easy.
Still, if healthy and managed properly, De La Cruz has the talent to deliver in 2026. A 30–30 season would not only mark a personal milestone but also signal that the Reds’ franchise superstar is ready to lead them deeper into October.