Elly De La Cruz's numerous gaffes will generate familiar cries from Reds fans

Elly De La Cruz had a horrific game on Thursday against the Seattle Mariners. The Cincinnati Reds shortstop committed his league leading fifth and sixth errors of the season, and was a major reason why the team lost to the Seattle Mariners by a final score of 11-7 in extra innings.

De La Cruz is a phenomenal talent, but these defensive miscues are piling up. The young infielder dealt with these same concerns in 2024 and led the league with 29 errors. As many highlight plays as De La Cruz makes, he also fails to make the routine plays far too often.

This has caused many Reds fans to advocate for Cincinnati to push De La Cruz off the infield dirt and onto the outfield grass. There are just as many fans who will vehemently disagree with that sentiment, claiming that De La Cruz is one of the best defenders in the game. It's a topic that has Reds Country quite divided, and both sides have a fair argument.

Elly De La Cruz's numerous gaffes will generate familiar cries from Reds fans

Many Reds fans envision De La Cruz—the player with the most speed and the best arm—being a phenomenal outfielder. The Reds could slot him in center field or in right, and his combination of speed and arm strength could help him win multiple Gold Gloves. San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr., a player many compare to De La Cruz, has already made the switch from the infield to the outfield and won a Platinum Glove.

The other side of the argument, however, suggests that moving your best defender to a different position—one he's never played before—could weaken the team at both shortstop and the outfield. There's also injury concerns that come with moving an infielder to the outfield. Reds fans saw that with former first-round pick Nick Senzel.

Though De La Cruz did lead the league in errors last season, he was worth 15 outs above average (OAA), which puts him in very elite company. Only shortstops Bobby Witt Jr., Francisco Lindor, and Dansby Swanson were worth more OAA in 2024.

To be clear, the Reds have no intention of moving De La Cruz off shortstop. But with Edwin Arroyo, who's seen as an elite defensive shortstop prospect, making his way up through the Reds farm system, this conversation will continue to circulate among the fanbase.

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