Reds fans may not like it, but Elly De La Cruz is a perfect fit for the Home Run Derby

Folks, this needs to happen! As always there will be a contingent of the Cincinnati faithful who will scream at their screen saying, "No, it'll ruin his swing." But the cold hard truth is that Elly De La Cruz would be a perfect fit for the 2024 Home Run Derby.

The Cincinnati Reds are sending just one player to the All-Star festivities this season, and it's De La Cruz. The second-year shortstop has been nothing short of electric this season with his speed, arm strength, and unmitigated power on full display night in and night out.

De La Cruz is the Reds best player, and he also happens to be the most marketable. Everywhere you look around Great American Ball Park and the streets of Cincinnati you'll see jersey's with the number 44 on the back. And make no mistake, the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game are exhibitions with the idea of bringing more eyeballs to the sport. De La Cruz can do just that.

Reds All-Star Elly De La Cruz is a perfect fit for the Home Run Derby

The All-Star Game will be held next Tuesday night at Globe Life Field with the Home Run Derby set to kick things off on Monday. As of Tuesday night, five of the eight spots have already been spoken for.

Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals), Gunnar Henderson (Baltimore Orioles), Pete Alonso (New York Mets), Marcell Ozuna (Atlanta Braves), and Alec Bohm (Philadelphia Phillies) have already submitted their names. One might assume that a member of the Texas Rangers roster, perhaps Adolis Garcia or rookie Wyatt Langford, will join in as well.

De La Cruz has unmatched power and has slugged 15 home runs to lead the Reds this season. Not only does the 22-year-old have the ability to send balls into the upper deck, but he'd also be going up against some of the best young (shortstop) talent in the game today. De La Cruz is looking to join the ranks of Witt and Henderson, and what better way to do so than to show off your immense talent in a mano e mano contest for all the marbles?

Yes, there are sure to be a number of Reds fans who'll hate the idea of De La Cruz potentially participating in the Home Run Derby, but every single baseball fan in Cincinnati and around the country would be tuning in to watch the show that would surely take place in Arlington on Monday night.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors