Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Elly De La Cruz is enjoying a career year in his fourth season with the Cincinnati Reds, and it included plenty of success against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
That was an extension of De La Cruz’s career performance against the Dodgers, in which he’s hit .290 with seven home runs, 14 RBI and 17 runs scored in 26 career games.
“He’s definitely had a lot of success against us,” manager Dave Roberts said on SportsNet LA when asked if felt as though De La Cruz was auditioning to become a Dodgers target.
“I still recall that homer he hit off (Noah) Syndergaard here. I know him enough through All-Star Games and things like that, that he likes the big stage, he wants to play against the best and against us, he certainly performs. I think there’s a lot of willing takers for that person and talent.
“It’s nice to win games against those guys and still kind of be a fan and marvel at what he can do on a baseball field. He’s very impressive.”
In seven games against the Dodgers this season, De La Cruz batted .360/.407/1.040 with two doubles, five home runs and nine RBI.
De La Cruz’s talent should make him a foundational building block who is untouchable in trade talks, but the Reds do not have a great track record of success over the past 12 seasons. Their only two playoff appearances since 2014 were the 16-team playoff in 2020 and as the last National League Wild Card team in 2025 with an 83-79 record.
Cincinnati has yet to lock him De La Cruz long term, but that could change with his performance this year elevating him to the upper echelon of MLB’s hierarchy. For now, he has three years of arbitration remaining before becoming a free agent in 2030 as a soon-to-be 28-year-old.
Mookie Betts’ contract doesn’t expire until after the 2032 season, but that would not prevent the Dodgers from making a play for De La Cruz. Nor would the investment they made in 2024 by drafting Kellon Lindsey with their first pitck.
Elly De La Cruz previously impressed Dave Roberts
De La Cruz made MLB debut against the Dodgers back in 2023, going 1-for-2 with a double. Roberts had high praise for the blossoming star that season.
“He is as toolsy as any player in the big leagues,” Roberts said prior to that weekend series beginning. “The way he carried himself, the poise on the field, on a Major League field, so early in his career was remarkable. He’s a human highlight film. I like watching the highlights much more than in real-time, firsthand.
“But what a special talent. It’s good for the game of baseball.”
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