Reds FeedElly De La Cruz
SS · Age 24 · Bats Switch
Where things stand
Elly De La Cruz is positioned for his first All-MLB selection after delivering an elite shortstop season, though he did not rank among the top three National League shortstops in available defensive metrics and missed out on Gold Glove finalist consideration. The All-Star shortstop remains at the center of ongoing organizational debates about Cincinnati's direction, with former player Joey Votto and others suggesting the Reds should consider trading him to accelerate their path to contention, given his projected arbitration salary climbing toward $8 million in 2027. De La Cruz has been one of the few bright spots in Cincinnati's disappointing 2026 season alongside prospect Sal Stewart, though the team's struggles highlight broader issues with player development and roster construction beyond individual talent.
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2026 season
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Elly De La Cruz coverage
Trading Elly De La Cruz could be the Reds' fastest path to contention
The article argues that trading All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz would be Cincinnati's best path to contention, citing the Milwaukee Brewers' success as a model. The Brewers have reached the World Series by trading away star players like Corbin Burnes and Josh Hader while developing prospects through a strong farm system and offering pre-arbitration deals to keep costs down. Former Reds player Joey Votto supports this approach, noting that De La Cruz will command $50-60 million annually and that allocating half or a third of payroll to one player doesn't make financial sense for a small-market franchise.
Blog Red MachineElly De La Cruz as a Trade Chip for the Cincinnati Reds, Why Joey Votto has a Point
Joey Votto recently suggested trading Elly De La Cruz, and the hosts examine whether the Reds should deal their star player now rather than waiting several years. Beneath Votto's controversial take lies a legitimate point about organizational direction that owner Bob Castellini has repeatedly resisted addressing. The episode also covers the Reds' urgent pitching needs and evaluates potential position player moves and trade versus free agency strategies.
Locked On RedsElly, Chase, and Expectations – Part 3
This article examines five historical teams that had young star players similar to the 2026 Reds' Elly De La Cruz and Chase Burns to assess how well front offices prepared for their breakout seasons. The 2019 White Sox, 2008 White Sox, 2001 Astros, and 2009 Dodgers all successfully built supporting rosters around their young talent by making strategic additions and addressing roster weaknesses, while the 2000 Brewers failed to commit fully to competing and languished in mediocrity for years afterward. The article suggests that recognizing young talent is only part of the equation—teams must actively construct competitive rosters with sufficient depth to capitalize on unexpected breakout performances.
Red ReporterReds' Gold Glove exclusion gives their defensive focus a new goal for 2027
No Cincinnati Reds players were named Gold Glove finalists for 2026, highlighting defensive struggles under manager Terry Francona despite his emphasis on clean baseball. The team committed 89 errors, ranked 16th in outs above average with 2 OAA, and placed 27th in defensive runs saved with -31 DRS, with only 20 teams finishing ahead of them in fielding percentage. Key defenders Ke'Bryan Hayes and TJ Friedl, who was designated for assignment, showed individual defensive merit but saw reduced playing time due to offensive limitations. The Reds will look to improve defensively in 2027 with their retained coaching staff and players like Elly De La Cruz, though offensive production will remain critical for earning regular playing time.
Blog Red MachineCincinnati Reds shut out of Gold Glove Award finalists
The Cincinnati Reds have no players among the finalists for the 2026 Gold Glove Awards, marking a significant drop from last season when Spencer Steer and Ke'Bryan Hayes earned nominations at first and third base respectively. The team's lack of representation stems partly from limited playing time across the roster, with few players accumulating enough games at a single position to merit consideration. Elly De La Cruz, despite defensive improvements at shortstop, did not rank in the top three among National League shortstops in available defensive metrics. The Gold Glove winners will be announced on November 1st on ESPN.
Redleg NationThe Reds may be better at finding talent than developing it
The Reds have produced talent that found success elsewhere, with Jake Bauers, Nathaniel Lowe, and Ryan Vilade all contributing to playoff teams after leaving Cincinnati. While the Brewers, Guardians, and Rays have excelled at maximizing low-cost acquisitions, the Reds' core problem appears to be player development rather than talent evaluation. The organization has traded away players like Lowe and Vilade who are now performing well, and has struggled to develop prospects like Noelvi Marte and Edwin Arroyo despite some successes with Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart. Improving the development system would be necessary for Cincinnati to compete with these small-market rivals.
Blog Red MachineElly, Chase, and Expectations – Part 1
The article explores how baseball teams build winning rosters using a mathematical framework centered on Wins Above Replacement (WAR). The author examines Cincinnati Reds fans' frustration that stars Elly De La Cruz and Chase Burns haven't produced better team results despite their individual excellence. Using nearly 900 data points from 1996 to present, the author applies conditional probability analysis to understand the relationship between star players and team success, finding that having one great player doesn't guarantee winning—26 teams since 1996 had losing records despite having a player with 8+ WAR. The analysis suggests that team construction involves complex interactions beyond just acquiring individual talent.
Red ReporterASCENT: Cincinnati Reds’ Elly De La Cruz WILL Make All-MLB Team
Elly De La Cruz is positioned to earn his first All-MLB selection after delivering an elite shortstop season, while pitching prospects Sal Stewart and Chase Burns emerge as major award candidates. The episode examines the Reds' critical offseason need to improve their league-worst on-base percentage and questions the current roster construction under general manager Nick Krall. The discussion also covers prospect development in the Arizona Fall League and evaluates potential lineup adjustments to transform Cincinnati's power-heavy offense into a playoff contender.
Locked On RedsMLB insider names Reds as Jazz Chisholm Jr. fit, but they should avoid him at all costs
MLB insider Mark Feinsand identified the Cincinnati Reds as a potential landing spot for Jazz Chisholm Jr., who could address their need for offensive production at second base alongside Elly De La Cruz. However, the Reds should be cautious about signing Chisholm because he has a high strikeout rate (30.9% whiff rate in 2026, 32.2% in 2025) that conflicts with Cincinnati's stated priority of improving contact hitting. Additionally, the Yankees' decision not to retain Chisholm after his 30-30 season the previous year raises concerns about his durability and consistency as a long-term solution.
Blog Red MachineJoey Votto's Reds-Dodgers trade proposal for Elly De La Cruz isn't as crazy at it sounds
Joey Votto proposed trading Elly De La Cruz to the Dodgers for prospect Josue De Paula, sparking debate among Reds fans. De Paula, a top-5 prospect who debuted in September, posted strong Double-A numbers last season (.303/.401/.547 with 27 home runs and 31 stolen bases) and has drawn comparisons to Juan Soto. While a straight swap seems unlikely given De La Cruz's established talent, the Dodgers could make it competitive by adding pitcher Justin Wrobleski and prospects like Charles Davalan or Kendall George. The Reds face pressure to decide De La Cruz's future before his arbitration salary climbs beyond $8 million in 2027, with free agency looming after 2029.
Blog Red MachineReds' castoff is thriving with Rays and highlights a key offseason need
Ryan Vilade, a utility player the Cincinnati Reds traded to Tampa Bay for cash in November 2025, has emerged as a key contributor for the Rays during their playoff run, including hitting a go-ahead home run in their ALDS Game 3 victory over the Yankees. The Reds acquired Vilade from St. Louis in June 2025 but left him in Triple-A, blocked by Matt McLain and Noelvi Marte, before dealing him away. With the Rays, Vilade played multiple infield and outfield positions across 96 games and posted a -0.1 wins above average, a performance that could have significantly helped Cincinnati's position players, who contributed a third-worst -10 wins above average in 2026. The move highlights a missed opportunity for the Reds, who struggled at non-pitcher positions despite having Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart.
Blog Red MachineReds Notebook: Winter League Baseball could make a difference
The Cincinnati Reds' disappointing 2026 season saw most of their young prospects struggle at the plate, with only Sal Stewart and Elly De La Cruz producing consistently. Players like Noelvi Marte, Edwin Arroyo, Hector Rodriguez, and Carlos Jorge failed to translate minor league success to the majors, with Marte's chase rate on pitches outside the strike zone jumping from 29% in his 2023 debut to 41% in 2026. Several of these players are expected to play in winter leagues in their home countries this offseason to work on their hitting approach and pitch recognition. Top prospect catcher Alfredo Duno will play in the Venezuelan Winter League for the first time after finishing 2026 in Double-A, as the Reds prepare for the likely departure of Tyler Stephenson to free agency.
Redleg NationSPOTLIGHT: Why Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart DESERVE Hank Aaron Award Attention for Reds
The episode examines Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart's Hank Aaron Award nominations and their potential to anchor the Reds' offense going forward, with host Steven Offenbaker crediting manager Terry Francona for accelerating Stewart's development while questioning whether supporting players can sustain their contributions. The discussion also covers MLB's proposal to shorten the season to 154 games, analyzing how scheduled rest days could benefit star players like De La Cruz and whether playoff expansion might give Cincinnati a competitive advantage despite the reduction in games.
Locked On RedsReds owner's comments foreshadow a tough Elly De La Cruz decision
Reds owner Phil Castellini publicly backed general manager Nick Krall while addressing the team's future with star shortstop Elly De La Cruz, calling him a "once-in-a-lifetime talent" but suggesting any contract decisions must fit within the franchise's overall strategy. De La Cruz just completed his first 30-30 season and is heading to arbitration, with his salary projected to jump from $800,000 to $7.9 million or more in 2027, and he previously rejected a Reds extension offer that exceeded Joey Votto's franchise-record $225 million deal. Market observers believe De La Cruz could eventually command $500 million to $700 million on the open market, figures the Reds likely cannot afford while building a competitive roster around him. The situation raises questions about whether Cincinnati will eventually trade the 24-year-old to maximize return value rather than commit to a long-term deal it cannot sustain.
Blog Red MachineCHAOS: Cincinnati Reds DOUBLE DOWN on Failed Philosophy—Can Chris Veleka FIX Anything?
The Cincinnati Reds are retaining hitting coach Chris Veleka despite the team posting baseball's worst offense in 2026, raising questions about whether general manager Nick Krall's commitment to a contact-heavy approach can finally turn things around. The episode examines the organization's roster construction decisions, the performance of key players like Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, and whether manager Terry Francona can build a functional lineup that matches the team's stated philosophy. With mounting frustration from fans and a front office reluctant to acknowledge systemic problems, the Reds face a critical 2027 season to prove their offensive strategy works or risk continued disappointment.
Locked On RedsTwo Cincinnati Reds hitters are Hank Aaron Award Finalists
Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds were named finalists for the Hank Aaron Award, which honors the best overall offensive performer in each league. De La Cruz had a breakout season with a .283 average, 30 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and an .880 OPS across 143 games, ranking among the league leaders in multiple offensive categories. Stewart played all 162 games and contributed 32 home runs and 111 RBIs, the second-most in the National League. Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs appears to be the frontrunner for the award after leading the league in runs scored, home runs, slugging percentage, OPS, and OPS+.
Redleg NationSal Stewart’s latest honor should silence his Rookie of the Year doubters
Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds was named a finalist for the 2026 Hank Aaron Award, joining teammate Elly De La Cruz in receiving the honor that recognizes the best overall offensive performer in each league. Stewart finished his rookie season with a .263/.330/.457 slash line, 32 home runs, and 112 RBIs, though his performance declined in September after earning Rookie of the Month in August. As the only rookie nominated for the Hank Aaron Award in either league, Stewart's selection adds credibility to his candidacy for the National League Rookie of the Year award, which will be decided in early November despite ongoing debate among fans about his worthiness compared to other rookie candidates.
Blog Red MachineA closer look at the the dozen Cincinnati Reds headed through arbitration
The Cincinnati Reds face a roster transition as twelve players enter arbitration ahead of the 2027 season, with combined salaries expected to reach nearly $43 million. Elly De La Cruz leads the group at an estimated $7.9 million, followed by Spencer Steer and Nick Lodolo at $5.7 million each, reflecting strong recent production from these players. The situation highlights a challenge for the Reds, who traded away established stars in 2022 to invest in younger, cheaper talent but have yet to achieve playoff success with their rebuilt roster. The front office must now decide whether to pay increased salaries to retain this core or pursue another rebuild with younger, less expensive players.
Red ReporterReds’ 2027 payroll gets surprising boost despite Elly De La Cruz's projected raise
Elly De La Cruz will earn approximately $7.9 million in his first year of arbitration eligibility in 2027, potentially rising higher given his representation by Scott Boras. Despite De La Cruz's significant raise, the Reds' total arbitration costs for 2027 are projected at $42.7 million, actually lower than the $43.5 million they paid last season. With committed contracts and pre-arbitration players factored in, Cincinnati's payroll is estimated around $98 million, leaving roughly $32 million in spending room if the team maintains its $129 million payroll from last season.
Blog Red MachineArbitration raises could cost the Reds a lot of their 2027 budget
The Cincinnati Reds have 12 arbitration-eligible players heading into 2027, with projected salary increases totaling roughly $24 million according to MLB Trade Rumors. Elly De La Cruz is expected to receive the largest raise, jumping from $780,000 to $7.9 million, while other notable increases include Andrew Abbott ($4.5 million), JJ Bleday ($4.8 million), and Matt McLain ($4 million). The Reds will have over $63 million in salary coming off the books from expiring contracts and mutual options, meaning arbitration raises would consume about a third of that freed-up money if all players are retained.
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