Reds’ Terry Francona Makes Elly De La Cruz Decision After 148 Games
Here’s an article based on recent coverage of Terry Francona’s decision about Elly De La Cruz after 148 games of the 2025 season:
–In a move that signals both urgency and accountability, Cincinnati Reds manager **Terry Francona** has altered his strategy with rising star shortstop **Elly De La Cruz**. After 148 games—nearly an entire season—Francona has shifted De La Cruz from his usual spot batting third in the lineup down to seventh. ([Athlon Sports][1])
Elly De La Cruz has been one of the most electrifying players in baseball this year. At age 23, he made his second straight All-Star Team, and much of the Reds’ offensive spark has come through him. ([Athlon Sports][1])
But since the All‑Star break, De La Cruz’s numbers have dropped. Over 52 games, he’s slumped to a .227 batting average, a .280 on‑base mark, a .609 OPS, and just **one** home run. ([Athlon Sports][1]) Defensively, the downward trend has also been evident—he’s leading MLB in errors with 23. ([Athlon Sports][1])
In short: when the games have mattered more, De La Cruz has not produced to his early‑season standard. Francona, in his first season managing a young Reds core, decided that something needed to shift as Cincinnati tries to claw its way into the postseason. ([Athlon Sports][1])
* **Lineup adjustment**: For the first time all season, De La Cruz will drop from third to seventh in the batting order. Up to this point, he had occupied the #3 spot in 148 of 149 games, even pinch‑hitting in the one exception. ([Athlon Sports][1])
* **Message of urgency**: The move underlines Francona’s recognition that the Reds can’t sit on potential—they have to squeeze what’s there. Demoting their best star in the lineup suggests Francona is willing to make bold decisions to try to stop the slide. ([Athlon Sports][1])
* **Trust but hold accountable**: Francona has repeatedly said he sees huge upside in De La Cruz—his speed, raw tools, and power are rare. ([FOX Sports][2]) But with great tools come high expectations, especially for consistency both offensively and defensively. ([SI][3])
* **Playoff hopes**: The Reds are currently behind in the NL Wild Card race by about 2.5 games. Time is running out. Every decision matters. Francona is doing more than just tweaking roles—he’s trying to jump‑start a club that has to perform under pressure. ([Athlon Sports][1])
* **Player development**: De La Cruz is still very young and has already shown wildly high ceilings. How he responds to this adjustment—whether he uses it as a wake‑up call or struggles further—could shape his mental approach going forward.
* **Team dynamics**: Moving the face of the franchise down in the order can affect morale, but it might also be viewed as fairness—if every player is held to performance, then no one is exempt. Francona appears ready to do what is necessary for the good of the team.
* **Can De La Cruz rebound?** If he can regain his offensive spark—especially power and on‑base skills—even modest gains would help.
* **Defensive improvement** is still essential. Errors have been a significant drag on his overall value, and shoring that up could make the difference in tight games.
* **Mental resilience**: Handling being moved down in the lineup, owning up to struggles, and staying locked in during the late‑season grind will test character.
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Francona’s decision is a reminder that even star players are not beyond adjustment when the stakes are high. For De La Cruz, the next stretch could define how close he comes to being not just a promising talent, but a consistent, franchise‑cornerstone performer.
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