The wider picture
The Cincinnati Reds have not won a playoff game since 2012 and have not won a playoff series since 1995. This long-standing drought has put pressure on the team to develop and retain talent that can help them return to postseason glory. One such player is Elly De La Cruz, who has quickly become a focal point for the franchise and its fans.
De La Cruz is expected to join the prestigious 30/30 club in 2026, a milestone that signifies a player’s ability to hit at least 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in a single season. His impressive performance in recent years has fueled this expectation. In 2023, he stole 35 bases and followed that up with 37 stolen bases in 2024, despite battling injuries that limited his effectiveness.
During the first half of the 2025 season, De La Cruz showcased his power by hitting 18 home runs. However, his performance was hampered in the second half of the season, where he managed only four home runs due to a quad injury. Overall, he finished the 2025 season with 22 home runs and an OPS of .777, demonstrating both his potential and the challenges he faced.
Observers note that De La Cruz possesses what many describe as “God-given talent,” suggesting that he has the capability to achieve MVP-level performance if he can maintain his health. His ability to steal bases is particularly noteworthy, with analysts stating, “Elly De La Cruz is seemingly a lock to steal at least 30 or 40 bases, if he can stay healthy.” This potential for speed and power makes him a critical asset for the Reds as they look to improve their standing in the league.
As De La Cruz continues his recovery from the quad injury that affected his performance in 2025, the best-case scenario for the Reds is that he returns to peak form. This would not only enhance his individual statistics but also significantly impact the team’s overall performance. The Reds are hopeful that with a healthy De La Cruz, they can finally break their playoff drought and make a serious push for postseason success.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for De La Cruz’s full recovery, but the organization is optimistic. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will perform in the upcoming seasons, particularly as he aims for the 30/30 club in 2026. His journey will be closely watched as he represents the future of the Cincinnati Reds.
