Terry Francona finally owns up to his biggest mistake with Reds' star Elly De La Cruz

Last season, Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz was an MVP candidate heading into the All-Star break. But the wheels fell off during the second half of 2025, and De La Cruz limped to the finish line — literally.

Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall mentioned during a radio show earlier this offseason that De La Cruz suffered a partially torn quad in late-July, and yet despite the injury, played all 162 games.

During the Winter Meetings, Reds manager Terry Francona appeared on the Foul Territory Podcast and finally admitted what nearly every member of the Cincinnati fanbase was screaming over the final two months of the 2025 season — Elly needed a day (or two) off.

Terry Francona finally admits Reds' star Elly De La Cruz needed days off in 2025

"I needed to own up to that," Francona said when talking about De La Cruz's injury at the end of last season. "I probably didn't do him any favors. I love the fact how much he wanted to play every day and I respect that a ton. I do think I need to probably step in occasionally and go 'Hey Elly, get off your legs today.' And I think that will help him in the future. He'll hate it! But, I think it'll be good for him."

De La Cruz's pre and post-All-Star stats show a staggering difference. He was hitting .284/.359/.495 with 18 homers and a 128 wRC+ before the Midsummer, and then a paltry .236/.303/.363 with just four home runs and an 80 wRC+ after the break.

Francona didn't outright say it, but it's likely that the Reds won't necessarily give De La Cruz an off day in 2026. Instead, look for Elly to act as the team's designated hitter once or twice a month in order to give his legs a break from playing the field. With Edwin Arroyo now on the 40-man roster, the Reds have a suitable defensive replacement. Matt McLain can always slide over and play short as well.

The Reds need De La Cruz at his best in order to make some noise in 2026, and giving him some time off every so often should help. Francona's was right about one thing, though. Elly will hate it.