Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz made history by becoming the fifth player in Major League Baseball history to join the 20/60 club, hitting 21 homers and swiping his 60th base of the season. De La Cruz is known for being one of the hardest hitters and fastest runners in the game, making him a lethal combination on the field. Despite his impressive stats, De La Cruz had struggled last season, hitting just .210 with a .640 OPS in his final 82 games, leaving fans to wonder which version of the player was the real one.
Despite leading the majors in strikeouts with 167, De La Cruz was hitting .261 with an .828 OPS entering Wednesday. His ability to turn singles into doubles on the base paths made up for his high number of strikeouts, showcasing his potential as a player. The Reds, currently 6½ games back of the final postseason spot, will be looking to De La Cruz to lead them to a bright future. His electrifying performance on the field has garnered attention and fans are eager to see what he can accomplish in the remainder of the season.
De La Cruz’s explosive start last season with a .359 batting average, 1.063 OPS, and eight stolen bases in his first 16 big league games showcased his talent. As an exciting young player in the league, all eyes were on him to see if he could maintain his high level of performance throughout the season. While his overall numbers suggest he falls somewhere in between his hot start and struggles last season, it is clear that De La Cruz has the potential to be a standout player in the league.
Shohei Ohtani is currently second to De La Cruz in stolen bases with 38, highlighting the Reds shortstop’s exceptional base-running abilities. The 20/60 club is an exclusive group with only four players having accomplished this feat before De La Cruz. By adding his name to this elite list, De La Cruz solidified himself as one of the top players in the league. His combination of power hitting and speed on the base paths makes him a force to be reckoned with on the field, and an exciting player to watch for fans.
MLB fans have been captivated by De La Cruz’s performance this season, as he continues to impress with his hitting and base-running prowess. His success on the field has positioned him as a rising star in the league, with the potential to make a significant impact for the Reds. While the team may be trailing in the postseason race, having a player like De La Cruz gives them hope for a bright future. Fans and analysts will be eagerly watching to see how De La Cruz continues to develop and lead his team as the season progresses.
