Reds’ Elly De La Cruz accomplishes feat not seen since 1900

The Cincinnati Reds are off to a solid start to the 2026 MLB season. They are 9-7, second in the National League Central division, one game back of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Shortstop Elly De La Cruz is arguably the biggest reason for the early success.

So much so, that he made history not seen in over a century.

De La Cruz is the first shortstop since at least 1900 to hit five home runs and steal five bases in the team’s first 16 games, per the Reds’ social department.

The Dominican Republic-native is off to the best start of his young career. He is hitting .281 with five home runs, 10 RBIs, 13 runs scored, and five bags swiped.

Since he first entered the major leagues, De La Cruz has proven to be a dual threat. During his rookie season in 2023, he hit 13 home runs and stole 35 bases in less than 400 at-bats. The following two seasons saw those numbers improve. The only question remaining pertained to his on-base skills. Can he hit for a palatable batting average, or was the .235 average his rookie season indicative of the type of hitter he is?

The 24-year-old is quickly putting that notion to bed. He hit .259 and .265 in 2024 and 2025, respectively. This year, he appears to be taking another step forward in a more competent Reds lineup.

De La Cruz has been especially hot as of late. During the three-game series vs. the Los Angeles Angels, he went 6-for-12 at the dish with two doubles, two home runs, four RBIs, four runs scored, and two stolen bases.

He is truly emerging to be the next great star in Major League Baseball.

The Reds reached the postseason last year, losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Wild Card Round. They’ll look to take the next step and reach the NLCS for the first time since 1995. If that is going to happen, Cruz will have to continue this ascension.

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