Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz could join the NL All-Star starters as a write-in candidate

The hype is real, folks! Elly De La Cruz has been a household name throughout Reds Country for the better part of a year. But the 21-year-old is now being celebrated throughout the national landscape.

Outlets like ESPN, FOX Sports, Sports Illustrated, and others are lauding the early success of the best prospect in all of baseball.

But, sending De La Cruz to this year's All-Star Game will be no easy feat. The shortstop does not appear on the ballot for the Midsummer Classic. But there's still a way for De La Cruz to join the starters in this year's All-Star Game.

Reds SS Elly De La Cruz could join the NL All-Star starters as a write-in candidate.

The Major League Baseball All-Star Game has long since become a popularity contest. It's not always the best player at his position to earn the starting nod, but oftentimes, it's the fan favorite.

A prime example was 2021 when Mike Trout was elected to the starting lineup for the American League despite the fact he appeared in just 36 games. Now, Trout had an impressive 1.090 OPS despite missing most of the season with a calf strain,

This year, the All-Star ballot features such Cincinnati Reds as Jonathan India, Spencer Steeer, and even Matt McLain. But, if you want to include Elly De La Cruz, you'll have to use the "write-in" space on your All-Star ballot.

Believe it or not, Joey Votto is actually on the All-Star ballot despite having not even swung the bat in a game yet this season. So, why not just write in De La Cruz as the designated hitter for the National League squad and fill out the rest of your ballot with Cincinnati Reds players?

Phase 1 of the the All-Star voting ends on June 22nd, and fans have the ability to vote five times per day for the players that they think should represent both the National League and the American League in Seattle this season.