Reds should run, not walk, if latest Elly De La Cruz contract projection is realistic

The Athletic's Tim Britton has been previewing potential contract extensions all week. It's customary this time of year to see organizations and players attempt to hash out long-term deals ahead of the upcoming season. If nothing gets done, typically, both sides will wait until the offseason to restart negotiations.

Some players like Devin Williams and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will undoubtedly wait until the offseason because they'll enter free agency this winter and have all 30 teams competing for their services. But for the handful of young stars, there's no better time to cash in on the opportunity to take home a massive paycheck.

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is in that category, but there are others. Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert, San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill, Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman could all be looking to sign a contract extension this spring.

Reds should run, not walk, if latest Elly De La Cruz contract projection is realistic

No one really knows if the Reds have even approached De La Cruz and his representation (Scott Boras) about a potential contract extension, but it would be akin to organizational-malpractice if Nick Krall and the front office haven't at least kicked the tires on the idea.

Britton's contract projection for De La Cruz (subscription required) would set a franchise record, but if the Reds have any realistic opportunity to get their superstar shortstop to sign it, the deal should be put on the table right now.

According to Britton, and using both Fernando Tatis Jr. and Bobby Witt Jr. as comps, De La Cruz could be in line for a 12-year, $330 million extension. The deal estimates that De La Cruz, who won't reach free agency until after the 2029 season, would make upwards of $50 million through arbitration. The Reds would then buy out the remaining eight free-agent years at a cost of $35 million per year. Wowzas!

Will Elly De La Cruz sign a contract extension with the Reds or wait for free agency?

Could De La Cruz get a larger sum on the open market? Of course! Some pundits assume that De La Cruz could be the first athlete to ever sign a $1 billion contract. But De La Cruz will have to wait until the 2029-30 offseason to see that kind of scratch. Can a player, who's so reliant on his legs, afford to wait another five seasons to sign a long-term deal?

Agreeing to a 12-year pact with the Reds would still allow De La Cruz to re-enter the free agent market in his mid-30s, and there's no doubt that any contract extension would include opt outs, bonuses, and escalators.

This isn't chump change, and it's a serious offer that a player like De La Cruz would have to consider. It's also a deal that, over time, Cincinnati would reap the rewards of — provided De La Cruz remains healthy and stays on his current trajectory.

With Boras as De La Cruz's agent, this type of deal may not be possible, but that doesn't mean that the Reds shouldn't try. If Cincinnati is serious about cultivating a winning culture and returning the franchise to its former glory, securing a player of De La Cruz's talent over the long haul is costly, but essential.

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