Elly Antonio De La Cruz Bio
Elly Antonio De La Cruz (born January 11, 2002) is a Dominican professional baseball shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball. He stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and is recognized for his exceptional combination of power, speed, and arm strength. De La Cruz signed with the Reds as an international free agent in 2018 and made his MLB debut in June 2023. He has established himself as one of the most dynamic players in baseball, earning All-Star selections in 2024 and 2025 while leading the league in stolen bases during his sophomore season.
Early Life and Background
De La Cruz was born on January 11, 2002, in Sabana Grande de Boyá, Dominican Republic. He grew up in a large family as the youngest of nine children, having eight older siblings. From an early age, baseball was a central part of his life in the Dominican Republic, where the sport serves as a pathway to opportunity for many young athletes.
De La Cruz developed his skills on the fields of his hometown, honing the raw tools that would eventually make him one of the most talked-about prospects in baseball. His exceptional athleticism and baseball instincts became evident as he progressed through his teenage years, setting the foundation for his future professional career.
Path to Major League Baseball
On July 2, 2018, De La Cruz signed with the Cincinnati Reds as an international free agent at just 16 years old. He received a $65,000 signing bonus, a modest investment that would prove to be transformative for both the player and organization. He made his professional debut in 2019 with the Dominican Summer League Reds at 17 years old, where he displayed his potential by hitting .285 with one home run and three stolen bases in 43 games.
The 2020 season was lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, denying De La Cruz a year of development. He returned in 2021 with the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Reds and Single-A Daytona Tortugas, where he demonstrated significant progress. In 61 games, he posted a .296 batting average with eight home runs, 42 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases, playing primarily third base. Baseball America recognized him as the best player in the Arizona Complex League and the best athlete in the Reds organization.
His breakout season came in 2022 with the High-A Dayton Dragons and Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts. De La Cruz hit a combined .304 with 28 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 47 stolen bases in 121 games. He became the first minor league player since George Springer in 2013 to bat .300 with at least 25 home runs and 40 stolen bases. He was named Midwest League Prospect of the Year, a MiLB Organization All-Star, and was selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game. On November 15, 2022, the Reds added him to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.
Elly Antonio De La Cruz Career
Minor League Development (2018–2023)
Following his signing in 2018, De La Cruz steadily climbed through the Reds minor league system. His 2022 campaign between Dayton and Chattanooga proved he could be a five-tool player at the highest levels of the minor leagues. Managers polled by Baseball America rated him as the Midwest League’s most exciting player, best batting prospect, best power prospect, and fastest base runner.
He began the 2023 season at Triple-A Louisville Bats, where he continued his stellar performance. In 38 games before his promotion, De La Cruz hit .298 with 12 home runs, 36 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases while playing primarily shortstop. His statistics made him impossible to ignore, and the Reds’ front office determined he was ready for the major leagues.
MLB Debut and 2023 Breakthrough
On June 6, 2023, De La Cruz was promoted to the Cincinnati Reds major league roster following an injury to Nick Senzel. At 21 years old, he became the fifth-youngest National League player that season and one of the tallest shortstops in MLB history at 6 feet 5 inches. He wasted no time making an impact, hitting his first major league home run on June 7 against the Los Angeles Dodgers—a 458-foot shot that announced his arrival.
De La Cruz continued to dazzle throughout his rookie campaign. On June 23, he hit for the cycle, becoming the first Reds player to accomplish the feat since Eric Davis in 1989 and the youngest player to do so since César Cedeño in 1972. He made more history on July 8 when he became the first Reds player since Greasy Neale in 1919 to steal second, third, and home in the same inning.
Teammate Joey Votto offered high praise for the young star, stating that De La Cruz was the best runner, most powerful hitter, and strongest arm he had ever seen. Statcast data supported the hype, as De La Cruz broke the record for fastest infield assist with a throw reaching 97.9 miles per hour. By season’s end, he had hit 13 home runs and seven triples in just 98 games while stealing 35 bases, demonstrating the rare power-speed combination that made him a top prospect.
Cincinnati Reds Shortstop (2023–Present)
De La Cruz entered the 2024 season with elevated expectations and delivered a remarkable sophomore campaign. On May 16 against the Dodgers, he became the first MLB player since Ichiro Suzuki in 2012 to record four hits and four stolen bases in a single game. On July 8, he broke Billy Hamilton’s Reds record by stealing his 44th and 45th bases before the All-Star break.
The defining moment of his 2024 season came on August 21 against the Toronto Blue Jays. By stealing a base, De La Cruz became the fifth AL/NL player since 1900 and the first shortstop in major league history to reach 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season. He joined Eric Davis and Joe Morgan as the only Reds players to achieve the 20-50 club milestone.
De La Cruz nearly doubled his home runs and stolen bases from his rookie year, finishing with 25 homers and 67 steals while playing 160 games. His slash line improved dramatically across the board, and he placed eighth in National League MVP voting. He was selected to his first All-Star Game and led all of MLB with 67 stolen bases.
For the 2025 season, De La Cruz continued to build on his elite status. On January 28, 2025, he was announced as one of three cover athletes for MLB The Show 25, becoming the first Reds player to appear on the cover of the popular video game series. On May 11, he became the first player in major league history with 115 extra-base hits and 115 stolen bases through his first 300 games.
On May 23 against the Chicago Cubs, De La Cruz collected his 300th career hit while also reaching 150 RBIs and 100 stolen bases—accomplishing this feat in just 310 games, breaking Hanley Ramírez’s previous record of 328 games since RBIs became official in 1920. He played through personal tragedy during the season after his older sister, Genelis De La Cruz Sanchez, passed away on May 31. He chose to play the following day and hit a home run against the Cubs, pointing to the sky after crossing home plate in tribute.
De La Cruz hit home runs in four consecutive games between June 11–15, joining Eric Davis (1984), Johnny Bench (1970), and Frank Robinson (1959) as the only Reds players aged 23 or younger to accomplish that feat. He was selected to his second consecutive All-Star Game, hitting .285 at the break. However, he struggled down the stretch, dealing with a strained left quad that affected his performance. After the season, Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall confirmed the injury and stated the organization planned to keep De La Cruz at shortstop. He was placed on the injured list for the first time in his career on June 1 due to a right hamstring strain.
Playing Style and Strengths
De La Cruz possesses a rare combination of tools that set him apart from most players. His 6-foot-5 frame makes him one of the tallest shortstops in baseball history, yet he moves with exceptional quickness and agility. His sprint speed ranks among the fastest in MLB, consistently clocking around 30.5 feet per second. He combines this elite speed with raw power that has produced 20-plus home run seasons in each of his full major league years.
His throwing arm is considered among the strongest of any infielder, regularly recording throws at 95-97 miles per hour. This allows him to make plays that most shortstops cannot attempt. Defensively, his combination of range, footwork, and arm strength makes him a premier defender at the position despite his unusual height.
Notable Achievements and Records
Through June 26, 2026, De La Cruz has accumulated 72 career home runs, 244 RBIs, and 149 stolen bases while hitting .257 in his MLB career. His single-season records include leading MLB with 67 stolen bases in 2024 and becoming the first shortstop in major league history to achieve the 20-60 season. He holds the Reds record for stolen bases before the All-Star break with 45.
His 458-foot home run on June 7, 2023, ranks among the longest debut home runs in modern baseball history. He is the fastest player to reach 300 hits, 150 RBIs, and 100 stolen bases since RBIs became official in 1920, doing so in just 310 games.
Elly Antonio De La Cruz Career Wins
De La Cruz has established himself as one of the most productive young players in baseball through his first three major league seasons. His career statistics reflect consistent power-speed production at the sport’s highest level.
Major League Highlights
His 2024 campaign stands as his most complete season, when he led MLB with 67 stolen bases while hitting 25 home runs with 76 RBIs in 160 games. He became just the third Reds player to join the 20-50 club and the first shortstop in major league history to accomplish the feat. His selection to the 2024 and 2025 All-Star Games recognizes his status among the game’s elite players.
In 2025, he continued his assault on the record books by becoming the first player in major league history to post 115 extra-base hits and 115 stolen bases through 300 career games. His 67 stolen bases in 2024 led all of baseball, establishing him as the premier baserunner in the sport.
Minor League Accolades
Before reaching the majors, De La Cruz dominated the minor leagues. He was named Midwest League Prospect of the Year and a Midwest League Postseason All-Star in 2022. Baseball America recognized him as the best player in the Arizona Complex League in 2021 and the best athlete in the Reds organization. He represented the Reds in the 2022 All-Star Futures Game and won multiple awards including Minor League Baseball’s Top Prospect in the Midwest League.
| Competition Level | Games | Home Runs | RBIs | Stolen Bases | Batting Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major League Baseball (2023–2026) | 312 | 72 | 244 | 149 | .257 |
| Minor League Baseball (2019–2023) | 277 | 49 | 175 | 71 | .299 |
Elly Antonio De La Cruz Family
Family Background
De La Cruz grew up in Sabana Grande de Boyá, Dominican Republic, as the youngest of nine children. His eight older siblings helped shape his work ethic and competitive spirit. The large family environment in a baseball-loving nation provided the foundation for his development as an athlete.
Personal Life
De La Cruz experienced significant personal tragedy during the 2025 season when his older sister, Genelis De La Cruz Sanchez, passed away on May 31. Demonstrating remarkable dedication to his team, he chose to play the following day against the Chicago Cubs. In his third at-bat, he hit a home run and, after crossing home plate, pointed to the sky and made a heart gesture to honor his sister’s memory. He continued to honor her throughout the season, drawing strength from family during difficult moments.
De La Cruz resides primarily in Cincinnati during the baseball season while maintaining connections to his Dominican Republic roots. He has become a beloved figure in Cincinnati for his electrifying play and charismatic personality. His emergence as the cover athlete for MLB The Show 25 marked a significant milestone, making him the first Reds player to appear on the cover of the popular video game series.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a mix of extraordinary highs and challenging lows for De La Cruz. He began the year as one of baseball’s most dominant players, continuing the momentum from his breakout 2024 campaign. His selection to his second consecutive All-Star Game in July reflected his status as one of the National League’s top performers, as he was hitting .285 with a .489 slugging percentage at the break.
However, the second half of the season presented significant challenges. De La Cruz dealt with a strained left quad that affected his ability to run and play defense. His offensive production declined sharply, with his slugging percentage dropping to .341 in the season’s final months—the worst stretch of his young career. The injury also contributed to increased errors on defense, a departure from his usual excellence at shortstop.
The Reds’ medical and baseball operations staff managed his workload carefully as the season progressed. After the season concluded, Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall confirmed the quad injury and expressed confidence in De La Cruz’s future at shortstop, dismissing speculation about a position change. On June 1, 2026, De La Cruz was placed on the injured list for the first time in his career due to a right hamstring strain, continuing the injury challenges that plagued his 2025 season.
Despite the injury setbacks, De La Cruz’s career trajectory remains exceptionally promising. His combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess at a premium position has already placed him among baseball’s elite players. The Reds view him as a foundational piece of their organization for years to come, and his ability to overcome adversity will be tested as he looks to return to full health and continue his assault on baseball’s record books.