Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds is a star in the making.
At only 22-years-old, De La Cruz is proving that he can do just about anything on the diamond. As a matter of fact, he managed to break a prestigious record in the very first month of the season.
De La Cruz finished the month of April with 8 home runs and 17 stolen bases. Those are combined numbers that have never been reached before in a single month in MLB history.
Facing the San Diego Padres on the final day of the month, De La Cruz wasted no time making his presence felt.
In the very first inning, he officially set the mark when he launched a solo home run for his eighth dinger of the month.
The Reds would end up winning comfortably by the score of 5-2, and is often the case, De La Cruz was front and center.
MLB analyst Sarah Langs posted on X that De La Cruz set the impressive mark, noting that he was the first player with 8 home runs and 17 stolen bases in a calendar month since at least 1901.
For the season, De La Cruz is batting .280 with 8 home runs, 19 RBI’s and 18 stolen bases. In addition, he is currently posting a .958 OPS.
Cincinnati’s record stands at 16-15. The city has fallen in love with De La Cruz and Reds fans are hoping he can help the club stay alive for a playoff berth this season.
As we know, Cincinnati is one of the most underrated baseball cities in America … It would be great for Reds fans to taste October baseball once again.
The impressive start to the season has solidified De La Cruz as a legitimate National League MVP contender.
Of course, the season is extremely young, and De La Cruz will undoubtedly go through his fair share of ups and downs just like another other player.
However, so far so good…
What are your thoughts on De La Cruz as a player?
Can he lead the Reds to a playoff berth?
Who do you think was the MVP of April???