Elly De La Cruz Bio
Elly Antonio De La Cruz (born January 11, 2002) is a Dominican professional baseball shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB). He signed with the Reds as an international free agent in 2018 and made his MLB debut in 2023. He was selected for the 2024 and 2025 MLB All-Star Game.
Early Life and Background
Elly De La Cruz grew up in Sabana Grande de Boyá, Dominican Republic. He has eight older siblings, which contributed to a competitive and supportive family environment. His early exposure to baseball was influenced by his surroundings, where the sport is a significant part of the culture.
Path to Baseball
De La Cruz signed with the Cincinnati Reds as an international free agent on July 2, 2018, receiving a signing bonus of $65,000. He made his professional debut in 2019 with the Dominican Summer League Reds, showcasing his potential by hitting .285 with one home run and three stolen bases in 43 games. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which canceled the minor league season in 2020, he continued to develop his skills in the following years.
Elly De La Cruz Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
De La Cruz’s journey through the minor leagues included stints with various teams, where he consistently demonstrated his talent. In 2021, he played for the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Reds and Single-A Daytona Tortugas, earning accolades as the best player in the Arizona Complex League. His performance included a batting average of .296 and eight home runs. In 2022, he further solidified his reputation by playing for the High-A Dayton Dragons and Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts, hitting .304 with 28 home runs and 47 stolen bases. He was recognized as the Reds’ Minor League Player of the Year and was selected for the All-Star Futures Game.
Breakthrough (2023–Present)
De La Cruz made his MLB debut on June 6, 2023, becoming one of the youngest players in the league. His first major league home run came just a day later, and he quickly made headlines by hitting for the cycle on June 23, 2023. Throughout his rookie season, he showcased his speed and power, becoming the first Reds player to steal second, third, and home in the same inning since 1919. He finished the season with 13 home runs and 35 stolen bases.
Notable Works and Milestones
In his sophomore season, De La Cruz continued to impress, hitting 25 home runs and stealing 67 bases. He became the first MLB player since Ichiro Suzuki to record four hits and four stolen bases in a single game. His achievements earned him a spot in the MLB All-Star Game for the second consecutive year.
Elly De La Cruz Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Elly De La Cruz has received multiple nominations, including recognition as a 2× All-Star for the years 2024 and 2025.
Elly De La Cruz Awards Won
Elly De La Cruz has won several notable awards, including being named the MLB stolen base leader in 2024 and joining the prestigious 20–50 club that same year.
Elly De La Cruz Family
Information regarding Elly De La Cruz’s family is limited, but it is known that he has eight older siblings who played a significant role in his upbringing.
Personal Life
Details about Elly De La Cruz’s personal life remain private, with no public information available regarding his marital status or children. However, he has shown a strong connection to his family, particularly in moments of personal significance, such as honoring his late sister during games.