He hasn’t been in the league for long, but Elly De La Cruz has already etched his name into the history books.
The Cincinnati Reds star reached the 20+ home run and 60+ stolen base mark on Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays, becoming only the fifth player in MLB history to do so.
He joins Ronald Acuna Jr. (2023), Rickey Henderson (1985, 1986, 1990), Eric Davis (1986) and Joe Morgan (1973, 1976). The latter two also accomplished the feat while playing with the Reds.
He capped off the milestone with an easy steal of third base in the top of the fifth against Toronto. To make it even worse for the Blue Jays, a couple of pitches later, he rushed home on a tight infield single from Tyler Stephenson, tying the game at six apiece in what would become a devastating five-run inning.
De La Cruz, 22, has been one of the most electric players in baseball since getting called up the the majors last season. His speed on the basepaths is second to none, with the superstar notching 94 stolen bases since joining the Reds on June 6, 2023 — 28 more than CJ Abrams in second place.
His power, of course, has also been nothing to scoff at, as the shortstop has 21 home runs this season and 34 since his debut in the show.
Elly De La Cruz, the dynamic outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds, has made history by becoming the first player in franchise history to achieve the impressive milestone of hitting 20 home runs and stealing 60 bases in a single season. This remarkable feat solidifies De La Cruz’s status as one of the most electrifying players in the game today.
De La Cruz’s combination of power and speed has been on full display throughout the season, as she has consistently been a threat both at the plate and on the basepaths. Her ability to hit for power while also being a threat to steal bases has made her a nightmare for opposing pitchers and catchers to deal with.
In addition to her offensive prowess, De La Cruz has also been a standout defensively, showcasing her range and arm strength in the outfield. Her speed allows her to cover a lot of ground and make highlight-reel catches, while her arm keeps baserunners honest and prevents them from taking extra bases.
De La Cruz’s historic achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft. She has put in countless hours in the batting cage and on the basepaths, honing her skills and perfecting her craft. Her success serves as an inspiration to young players everywhere, showing them that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
As the Reds continue their push for a playoff spot, De La Cruz will undoubtedly be a key factor in their success. Her ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes her a valuable asset to the team, and her historic season will be remembered for years to come.
In conclusion, Elly De La Cruz’s milestone of hitting 20 home runs and stealing 60 bases in a season is a remarkable achievement that cements her legacy as one of the best players in the game today. Her combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess make her a true five-tool player, and her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication. Reds fans should be proud to have such a talented player representing their team, and baseball fans everywhere should take notice of De La Cruz’s incredible season.