Cincinnati Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz became the center of a social media stir after a video surfaced showing him with a dirt bike, shared by MLB insider Hector Gomez on X. The clip attracted over two million views within a day, sparking concern due to its timing just days before Spring Training.
Despite the backlash, Reds general manager Brad Meador dismissed claims that De La Cruz was riding the bike. Meador stated,
“I talked to Elly. He wasn’t riding it. It was just for the video,”
as reported by Charlie Goldsmith of FOX19.
Still, fans expressed mixed reactions to Meador’s explanation, debating whether the player had violated team rules or simply deserved some freedom off the field.
“Suspend him for the first spring training game. Send a message!”
“Ppl are fuc**n* soft let the dude have fun he’s allowed to have a life yk.”
“That was my thoughts too. He is never shown actually riding it. I feel like if he was, it would have been recorded.”
“Sounds like something my kids would have said when catching them in the act. 😂”
“This is an obvious lie but if you care that he rode a dirt bike safely and did not get injured you’re a loser who needs to get a life.”
Elly De La Cruz remains a vital player for the Reds, and any potential injury from risky activities could significantly affect the team’s prospects for the season. The timing of the video has heightened concerns given the importance of an injury-free preparation ahead of the 2026 campaign.
De La Cruz’s Performance and Injury Challenges in 2025
Last season, De La Cruz demonstrated impressive durability by playing in all 162 games, achieving a .264 batting average and a .336 on-base percentage, with an OPS of .777 while hitting 22 home runs. His speed on the bases placed him among MLB’s elite, earning him a second All-Star nod while ranking high in stolen bases.
However, his performance declined during the latter half of the year, culminating in a total of 37 stolen bases—down substantially from his 67 steals in 2024. Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall later revealed that De La Cruz had been managing a quad strain throughout the season, shedding light on the physical challenges he faced.
With De La Cruz’s athleticism playing a key role for Cincinnati, the managing staff and fans alike are closely watching his offseason activities. Any injury could jeopardize not only his individual contributions but also the overall competitiveness of the Reds as they prepare for the upcoming season.
