The crack of the bat echoed through the mostly empty Kauffman Stadium. A few workers paused their pre-game duties, their eyes following the trajectory of the baseball as it soared through the air. The source of this power? Elly De La Cruz, the Cincinnati Reds' 21-year-old phenom, taking batting practice with a swing as smooth as Ken Griffey Jr.'s. His line drives peppered the outfield alleys, while his towering home runs clanged off the seats or splashed into the stadium fountains. Just another day for baseball's hottest new prospect.
De La Cruz's first week in the majors was something out of a storybook. He crushed a 92 mph fastball from Noah Syndergaard for his first big league home run, sending it 458 feet and nearly out of Great American Ball Park. In the same game against the Dodgers, his blazing speed took him from home to third on a triple faster than anyone else this season. He's even shown off a cannon for an arm, throwing a 96.6 mph rocket to first for an out. According to Elias Sports Bureau, De La Cruz joined Bill Bruton (1953) as the only players since 1900 to record a single, double, triple, home run, and stolen base within their first three games.
Reds manager David Bell acknowledges the young star's impressive feats, emphasizing how De La Cruz's contributions are already translating to wins, a welcome change for a team that lost 100 games last season.
Cincinnati has seen its share of highly touted prospects, some who flourished like Joey Votto and Johnny Cueto, and others who faded. Perhaps mindful of this history, De La Cruz was back at the ballpark early after going 0-for-5 in the series opener against the Royals. Undeterred, he worked on his swing, refining his approach with the same focus he displayed during his remarkable debut week.
Bell credits the Reds organization for preparing De La Cruz for the major league transition, highlighting the young player's willingness to learn and ask questions. Signed as a 16-year-old international free agent in 2018, De La Cruz steadily climbed the minor league ladder, showcasing his exceptional talent at every level. He earned a spot on the Reds' 40-man roster and impressed during spring training before a final stint in Triple-A Louisville paved the way for his major league call-up.
De La Cruz isn't carrying the weight of the franchise alone. He joins a promising young core of players like Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and Andrew Abbott, creating a buzz of excitement around the Reds. With his family in the Dominican Republic cheering him on, and veteran players like Ketel Marte and Oneil Cruz offering support, De La Cruz remains grounded, focused on contributing to the team's success. His electric play and humble attitude have made him an instant fan favorite, and the future of the Cincinnati Reds looks brighter than it has in years.
