Will Elly De La Cruz make an MVP run this year?
The Cincinnati Reds have had one of the better starts in MLB of any team this season. Cincinnati is currently tied with the Chicago Cubs for first place in the National League Central. Elly De La Cruz has played a crucial role in the Reds' early-season success.
The star shortstop is hitting .265/.330/.549 across 25 games played. He is also tied for the team lead in home runs with Sal Stewart with a mark of eight. De La Cruz has stolen six bases as well.
Winning the MVP in the National League is especially challenging given the presence of two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani. De La Cruz has received some MVP attention in previous years, however.
In 2024, he finished eighth in NL MVP voting. De La Cruz then finished 23rd in voting last year.
Perhaps he will not win the award in 2026 -- although it could happen -- but this season may represent his best opportunity so far to make a serious MVP run.
Leading the Reds
Many other MVP candidates play for teams that are expected to compete. Meanwhile, the Reds had legitimate question marks entering the season.
Sure, they were a Wild Card ball club last year. Ace Hunter Greene suffered an injury in spring training, however. Meanwhile, the lineup looked like it would be questionable at best before the season.
The Reds' lineup did end up struggling early in the '26 campaign, but the offense has performed well in recent action. De La Cruz has contributed to the lineup's success in a crucial manner.
If De La Cruz is able to lead the Reds to the postseason, that is something that will only help his MVP run. If the Reds win the NL Central, his MVP run will be even more impacted.
Could De La Cruz Have a 30-30 or Even 40-40 Season?
The Reds star already has eight home runs and six stolen bases. In 2024, De La Cruz stole 67 bases, but he hit only 25 home runs. The 2025 campaign saw him hit 22 homers and steal 37 bases.
If De La Cruz is able to set a new career-high in home runs and reach 30-plus, his MVP run will feel the impact. A 30-30 season would be big. If De La Cruz is able to have a 40-40 season -- which is possible given his incredibly high-ceiling -- he would instantly become a legitimate MVP candidate.
Regardless of whether or not De La Cruz wins the award, it would not be surprising to see him seriously compete for the NL MVP in 2026.