Reds may finally see MVP version of Elly De La Cruz if this spring trend holds

There is perhaps no player in Major League Baseball closer to breaking into the superstar class than Cincinnati Reds phenom Elly De La Cruz. He has multiple seasons of 20-plus home runs and 100-plus runs to his name, and he's already swiped 139 bags throughout his short career.

De La Cruz, however, has some glaring red flags, the biggest of which might be his defense. He was generally considered excellent at shortstop in 2024, accruing 14 outs above average (OAA). But his output slipped last year (-3 OAA). If De La Cruz can tighten up his glove work, he can join Bobby Witt Jr. and Gunnar Henderson in the MVP-class of shortstops.

Terry Francona told Cincinnati reporter Charlie Goldsmith, “He has made all of the routine plays, and that’s the biggest thing. He has to always move his feet because he has such long arms. He’s long levered. Sometimes those easy throws from other guys are a little harder for him. He just has to move his feet. He has been fine. He has made a couple of really good plays.”

Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz could become an MVP candidate in 2026

Shortstop is arguably the most important position on the field. The shortstop serves as the captain of the infield and first line of defense up the middle. Highlight-reel-worthy plays are fun, but it's crucial for a shortstop to consistently field routine ground balls and turn double plays. That's what makes or breaks a shortstop's value.

It's why Francona is so laser-focused in on De La Cruz's mechanics and movement; the Reds need him to be more reliable up the middle, even if at comes at the cost of a little flash. In other words, he needs to sacrifice style for substance.

Fans know De La Cruz is a bonafide superstar at the plate — he was an All-Star for the second consecutive season on the back of a .284/.359/.495 batting line before the Midsummer Classic last year. He suffered a leg injury during the second-half of the season that slowed his production in August and September.

But the best shortstops shine on offense and defense. Witt, Henderson, and Trea Turner are terrific players with gaudy WAR totals because they are elite on both sides of the ball. Even an average hitter like Dansby Swanson can produce respectable value by leading the infield with a strong, reliable glove.

The raw tools and potential possessed by De La Cruz only come around once in a blue moon. The Reds certainly know that, having already offered to make him the highest-paid player in franchise history. But if he can elevate his floor to match his stratospheric ceiling, he'll be eyeing the kind of contract — and superstar status — reserved for all-time greats.