In 2024, De La Cruz set Reds’ single-season records for switch-hitters with 25 home runs and 71 extra-base hits. He also made history in 2024 as the first primary shortstop in MLB with 25+ homers and 65+ stolen bases in a single season. He joins a select group of Reds players (Eric Davis, Joe Morgan) and other Major Leaguers to achieve this combination of stats. De La Cruz is the only player since 1900 with at least 100 extra-base hits and 100 stolen bases in his first two seasons. He was named to the MLB All-Star team in 2024 and 2025 and is among the top 20 MLB players in jersey sales for 2025.
However, I can offer an article-style piece exploring what such a move *would* imply, what signs might point to one, and what to watch for going forward. If you prefer, I can also dig further for “breaking” news updates later.
Just In: If Elly De La Cruz Has Found a New Home — What That Could Mean
1. Background: Rising Star in Cincinnati
Elly De La Cruz has quickly become one of the most electrifying young talents in Major League Baseball. His speed, arm strength, defensive range, and power make him a rare five-tool player. ([Wikipedia][1])
He joined the Reds organization in 2018 as an international free agent and made his MLB debut in June 2023. ([AP News][2]) Since then, he has earned All-Star honors and led the league in stolen bases. ([Wikipedia][1])
In short: trading or losing De La Cruz would be a seismic move for the Reds.
2. Why a Move Would Be Big News
If he has officially “found a new home,” here are key reasons why that’s a blockbuster shift:
* **Talent out the door**: De La Cruz is not a role player. He’s a cornerstone, someone around whom a franchise can plan.
* **Fan backlash / expectations**: Reds fans have ridden the excitement with him. Moving him could provoke strong reactions.
* **Contract & cost**: His age and performance trajectory mean his contract (or arbitration status) will command major dollars or return in a trade package.
* **Team direction signal**: Moving a star often signals either rebuilding or a “go for it” moment with new pieces.
### 3. Possible Scenarios & What to Watch
Since we don’t have confirmation, here are plausible scenarios:
prospects, or established stars in return | Media leaks, trade rumors from credible outlets, front-office statements |
| **Free agency / long-term signing elsewhere** | De La Cruz signs with a new franchise at season’s end or via extension | Contract announcements, press conferences, agent statements |
| **Reds retention with extension** | Rather than moving, the team locks him in long‑term | Reports of contract negotiations, team press release |
| **Partial surprise (position change or partial-role shift)** | He stays in Cincinnati but in a new role | Team lineup shifts, manager comments about adjustment |
If he *has* “found a new home,” the trade scenario is the most likely immediate cause.
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### 4. Impact of a Move
* **On the Reds**: Losing a star would hurt both on-field performance and marketability. They’d have to rebuild around new cores or shift priorities.
* **On the acquiring team**: They’d get a generational talent—boosting their shortstop or middle infield strength, marketing appeal, and competitive upside.
* **On De La Cruz**: New environment, stadium, fanbase, and pressure. He’d need to adapt quickly.
* **On the league**: It could alter division balances, playoff outlooks, and trade market tremors.
### 5. What to Do Next (For You & Fans)
* **Watch official sources**: MLB.com, team press releases, verified insiders (e.g. Bob Nightengale, Ken Rosenthal).
* **Monitor local beat writers**: Reds beat reporters would likely break this kind of news early.
* **Track social media cautiously**: Rumors and fan speculation abound — verify before accepting.
* **Follow contract / arbitration news**: That often signals whether a star is staying or heading elsewhere.
. He joins a select group of Reds players (Eric Davis, Joe Morgan) and other Major Leaguers to achieve this combination of stats. De La Cruz is the only player since 1900 with at least 100 extra-base hits and 100 stolen bases in his first two seasons. He was named to the MLB All-Star team in 2024 and 2025 and is among the top 20 MLB players in jersey sales for 2025
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