Elly De La Cruz, born on January 11, 2002, in Sabana Grande de Boyá, Dominican Republic, is a rising star in Major League Baseball (MLB). He currently plays as an infielder for the Cincinnati Reds, having signed with the team as an international free agent in 2018. De La Cruz made his MLB debut in 2023 and has since garnered attention for his exceptional speed, power, and defensive prowess.
Growing up in Sabana Grande de Boyá, a town in the southeastern region of the Dominican Republic, De La Cruz developed a passion for baseball at a young age. He moved away from his family's home at the age of 6 to pursue his dream of becoming an MLB shortstop, living with his coach's brother to access better training facilities. At 10, he relocated to Santo Domingo to further his skills at a baseball academy.
De La Cruz's professional journey began when he signed with the Cincinnati Reds on July 2, 2018, receiving a $65,000 signing bonus. He made his mark in the minor leagues, showcasing his talents with impressive performances across various levels. Notably, in 2022, he excelled with the High-A Dayton Dragons and Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts, achieving career highs in home runs (28), RBIs (86), and stolen bases (47).
His achievements in the minors earned him numerous accolades, including being named the Reds' Minor League Player of the Year and earning recognition as a top prospect by Baseball America. He was promoted to the MLB in June 2023, where he quickly made an impact with his towering height of 6 feet 5 inches, remarkable speed, and powerful hitting abilities.
During his rookie season in the MLB, De La Cruz continued to impress, making history with feats like hitting for the cycle against the Atlanta Braves and breaking records for speed and arm strength. He solidified his status as one of the fastest players in baseball, consistently demonstrating his athleticism on the field.
In May 2024, De La Cruz further cemented his place in MLB history by becoming the first player since Ichiro Suzuki in 2012 to record four hits and four stolen bases in a single game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
De La Cruz's journey from the fields of Sabana Grande de Boyá to the heights of Major League Baseball is a testament to his dedication, talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence. With his electrifying speed, powerful bat, and strong defensive skills, De La Cruz has captured the attention of fans and scouts alike, quickly establishing himself as a standout player for the Cincinnati Reds.
