Recent poll reveals some MLB players aren't buying the Elly De La Cruz hype

Earlier this week, The Athletic (subscription required) released their annual MLB player poll in which a select group of players vote on an assortment of topics relevant to the game.

According to their responses, there are a couple players out there who think Cincinnati Reds' star Elly De La Cruz is one of the most overrated players in the league. De La Cruz received 3.3% of the vote, tied for 6th most and one of 11 players to receive a vote at all.

It's a surprising development as Elly is widely regarded among fans, and certainly Reds' fans in particular, as one of the most exciting young players in MLB.

Is Reds' star Elly De La Cruz overrated, or do the stats back up the hype?

De La Cruz is a well above-average defender at short, posting a 98th percentile Outs Above Average ranking. He has an absolute cannon for an arm, regularly touching high-90's with his throws, and has blazing speed to boot. His 69 steals over the past two years are second-most in the majors in that time frame.

His .233/.311/.413 slash line isn't quite on par with young superstars like Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr, but at just 22 years old, De La Cruz has as much upside as any other player his age.

He still strikes out a bit too much but is a human highlight reel, absolutely electric on the basepaths and with one of the more engaging personalities out there.

Reds' shortstop Elly De La Cruz is a star in the making

It's hard to think there are many Reds fans out there who agree with the assessment that he's overrated. As evidence of that, Cincy just held an Elly De La Cruz bobblehead giveaway at Great American Ball Park and Reds' fans showed up in force.

Despite his struggles at the plate early this year, fans in Cincinnati hope that Elly sticks around for a while. He won't be a free agent until after the 2029 season so even without a contract extension, we'll be able to watch him in a Reds uniform for at least a few more years, and hopefully even more.

Regardless of what a small group of MLB players think, Reds fans know what we've got in De La Cruz. He's a special player, exceptionally talented, and as fun to watch as any other player in the sport today.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Notes