Elly De La Cruz Rejects Reds’ Historic Offer in 2025
The Cincinnati Reds sought to secure Elly De La Cruz with a significant contract offer, aiming to make him the highest-paid player in franchise history. This initiative came after De La Cruz’s impressive first full season in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Details of the Offer
Nick Krall, the Reds’ president of baseball operations, reported that the team presented an official contract proposal during spring training. This offer would have surpassed Joey Votto’s franchise-record deal of 10 years and $225 million.
Performance Highlights
- De La Cruz recorded 25 home runs and 67 stolen bases in his debut season.
- His batting average stood at .259 with an on-base percentage of .339 and a slugging percentage of .471.
- He finished among the top 10 candidates for the MVP award in his age-22 season.
Agent Involvement and Future Considerations
Elly De La Cruz chose not to disclose specifics about the contract, stating he leaves negotiations to his agent, Scott Boras. Currently, De La Cruz is under club control for four more seasons, with arbitration eligibility arriving next offseason. He will become a free agent at age 28.
Comparative Contracts
The Reds’ offer would have set a record for a player with less than two years of service. Julio Rodríguez’s extension with the Mariners holds the current mark at $210 million, which could escalate significantly.
Recent Season Performance
In his second official season, De La Cruz’s performance slightly dipped. His statistics included:
- Batting average: .264
- Home runs: 22
- Stolen bases: 37
Despite the decline in some power metrics, De La Cruz remained vital to the Reds’ playoff aspirations. He played through a strained left quadriceps that likely affected his performance in the latter half of the season.
Looking Ahead
The Reds are expected to revisit extension talks with De La Cruz in the upcoming spring. His ability and potential make him a cornerstone for the franchise, despite leading MLB in errors as a shortstop over the past two seasons.
