JUST IN: Terry Francona’s make big Elly De La Cruz Announcement that will Wreck Reds Playoff Hope

JUST IN: Terry Francona’s make big Elly De La Cruz Announcement that will Wreck Reds Playoff Hope

Here’s an article-style breakdown of what’s going on — and why the “announcement” from Terry Francona concerning **Elly De La Cruz** might indeed shake up the Reds’ playoff chances.

## A Bold Move by Francona

Late in the 2025 season, Reds manager Terry Francona made a striking decision: he **dropped Elly De La Cruz from the No. 3 spot in the batting order down to No. 7**. ([Yardbarker][1])

This was the first time De La Cruz — the face of the franchise and their most electric player — was moved from that pivotal third-spot role. Up until then, he had started nearly every game batting third. ([Yardbarker][1])

In the context of Cincinnati’s narrowing playoff window, the timing and target of this “announcement” are critical. It signals Francona no longer tolerates De La Cruz’s struggles — even if it means undermining the traditional batting-order hierarchy. ([Yardbarker][1])

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## Why Francona Did It — And Why It’s Risky

### The justification

1. **Offensive slump**
Since the All-Star break, De La Cruz cooled off. His average fell, his on-base percentage dipped, and his power numbers shrank. ([Yardbarker][1])
2. **Defensive issues**
More troublingly, he’s been error-prone in the field, leading MLB in errors, which subtracts from his net value. ([Yardbarker][1])
3. **Stabilizing the offense**
Francona likely hopes moving him down will lessen the pressure, give other hitters a chance to thrive, and make the lineup less top-heavy — especially as the Reds scramble for wins.
4. **Accountability message**
This move sends a clear message: no one is immune from consequence, even your star player. It may be intended to wake De La Cruz and others up before it’s too late.

The risks & costs

* **Demotivating the star**
De La Cruz is culturally and emotionally central to the team. Slapping him down in the order could hurt his confidence or team chemistry.
* **Fan backlash**
Public perception might view this as a lack of faith in the franchise’s cornerstone player — not a great look during a playoff push.
* **Offensive trade-off**
If De La Cruz regains form, having him lower in the order reduces his opportunities to drive in runs or produce big innings.
* **Unsettling lineup balance**
The entire batting order must adjust. Someone has to fill that third slot — and not everyone is suited for it.

## What It Means for the Reds’ Playoff Hopes

This “announcement” is more than just a lineup shuffle — it’s a harbinger of urgency and tension:

* **Signal of desperation**
When your manager demotes your most valuable player during your final stretch, it’s a sign things are not going smoothly.
* **Potential turning point**
If De La Cruz responds, it could galvanize the team. But if he resists, it could fracture morale.
* **Margin for error now nil**
The Reds don’t have room for sloppy play. Every at-bat, every fielding opportunity — even from their star — must count.
* **Test of Francona’s leadership**
Francona’s reputation as a veteran, steady hand is on the line. Can he manage the ego, the optics, and still get results?

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## Historical Context & What Francona’s Track Record Suggests

Francona is no stranger to managing big personalities and making tough calls. In Boston and Cleveland, he often had to rein in superstar talent for the greater good. His approach has always emphasized accountability, consistency, and structure.

Earlier in his tenure with the Reds, Francona laid lofty goals for De La Cruz: not just to be exciting, but to build a fundamentally strong player who can contribute in all facets. ([SI][2]) He also met him in the Dominican Republic to build trust and alignment. ([SI][3])

Still, it’s one thing to talk about accountability in spring training or in theory — it’s another to act on it when the postseason is on the line. That’s what makes this move so combustible.

## Final Take & What to Watch

* **Watch De La Cruz’s reaction** — Does he rise to the challenge or retreat?
* **Track his performance** — If he rebounds, this could be remembered as the spark the Reds needed. If not, it might be the moment the playoff dream unraveled.
* **Monitor team cohesion** — Are veterans and role players buying into Francona’s tough love or chafing under it?
* **See how Francona adjusts further** — Will he continue making aggressive decisions or revert back?

In short: Francona’s announcement is a bold gamble. It could either save the Reds’ playoff hopes — or break them for good.