Elly De La Cruz

Dominican baseball shortstop who became the first MLB rookie shortstop with 35+ stolen bases and 25+ home runs in a single season with Cincinnati Reds.

Born in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, on January 7, 2002, Elly De La Cruz grew up in a region renowned for producing Major League Baseball talent. He began playing organized baseball as a child and quickly distinguished himself with exceptional athleticism and natural ability across multiple positions. The Cincinnati Reds signed him as an international free agent in July 2018 at age 16, recognizing his rare combination of size, speed, and raw talent. De La Cruz made his professional debut in 2019 in the Dominican Summer League before advancing through Cincinnati's minor league system. His development accelerated rapidly, with standout performances in Single-A and Double-A that showcased his five-tool potential. Standing 6'5" and weighing 220 pounds, he possessed unusual size for a middle infielder while maintaining remarkable speed and agility. His minor league career included impressive power numbers and stolen base totals that foreshadowed his future impact. The Reds promoted De La Cruz to the major leagues in June 2023, where he immediately became one of baseball's most electrifying players. His rookie season featured a historic combination of power and speed, making him the youngest player ever to achieve 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases in a single season. His sprint speed registered among the fastest ever recorded by MLB's Statcast system, while his defensive versatility allowed him to contribute at shortstop and center field. De La Cruz represents a new archetype in modern baseball, combining traditional power-hitting with elite base-running in a package rarely seen at the shortstop position. His emergence has energized the Reds franchise and exemplified the continued excellence of Dominican baseball development. As one of the youngest everyday players in the majors, he has established himself as a cornerstone talent whose unique skill set challenges conventional positional expectations and suggests significant potential for future achievement.

Dynamic five-tool player with elite speed, power potential, and strong defensive instincts

Emerging superstar shortstop with rare combination of speed and power