Reds top prospect Elly De La Cruz named Dominican Winter League Player of the Week

The hype is there. The talent exists. Now it's just a matter of when Cincinnati Reds top prospect Elly De La Cruz will make the leap from the minor leagues to the major leagues.

According to MLB Insider Héctor Gómez, De La Cruz was named Dominican Winter League Player of the Month. De La Cruz has played five games for Tigres de Licey and the infielder continues to put up ridiculous numbers.

Thus far, De La Cruz is hitting .444/.524/.667 and has three extra-base hits, seven RBIs, two stolen bases and three walks. Most Reds fans are keenly aware of De La Cruz's exploits over the past two seasons, but it's a good bet that the national media will be paying attention very soon.

Reds SS prospect Elly De La Cruz named DOWL Player of the Week.

Elly De La Cruz, who saw his first action states-side back in 2021, is playing in the Dominican Winter League for the first time. So far, so good. De La Cruz is playing for the Tigres de Licey alongside Cincinnati Reds outfielder Aristides Aquino.

The Dominican Winter League typically showcases both major league and minor league talent. Whether young prospects are looking to prove themselves or experienced veterans are looking for more reps during the offseason, you're bound to see some uber-talented baseball players in the DOWL.

De La Cruz is no exception. After destroying baseballs left and right at High-A Dayton during the early-part of the 2022 season, the Cincinnati Reds front office made the decision to see what the 20-year-old could do with a bump in competition.

Double-A proved to be no issue at all for De La Cruz as the talented shortstop prodigy slashed .305/.358/.553 in 47 games for the Chattanooga Lookouts last season. So the question now becomes, how long will Reds fans have to wait before De La Cruz makes his way to the big leagues?

Don' expect De La Cruz to be part of the Cincinnati Reds 2023 Opening Day roster, though he'll probably take part in major league camp next spring. The Reds front office has stated that they plan to take their time in terms of De La Cruz's development, so it's likely that the infielder will begin next season in the minors. However, don't be shocked if De La Cruz is in the major leagues by midseason.

You can add Dominican Winter League Player of the Week to the long list of accolades that Elly De La Cruz has already received. Something tells me this won't be the only time this season that De La Cruz takes home that honor.