The Cincinnati Reds have been strong to open the yr, with a 14-11 file.
A giant a part of their early success will be attributed to thrilling shortstop Elly De La Cruz.
After a considerably inconsistent debut yr in 2023 (13 dwelling runs and 35 steals, however 144 strikeouts) the dynamic infielder has taken a step ahead and blossomed right into a authentic star in 2024.
Based on MLB stats professional Sarah Langs, he has joined an unique checklist because of his power-speed combo.
“Elly De La Cruz has 7 HR and 14 SB in April. He’s 1 SB away from becoming a member of this checklist of gamers with not less than 7 HR & 15 SB in a calendar month (since not less than 1901): 2004 Aug Carlos Beltran: 10 HR, 16 SB; 1996 Sept Barry Bonds: 7 HR, 15 SB; 1986 Could Rickey Henderson: 7 HR, 20 SB; 1976 Aug Joe Morgan: 8 HR, 15 SB; 1966 July Lou Brock: 7 HR, 15 SB,” she tweeted.
Elly De La Cruz has 7 HR and 14 SB in April
he’s 1 SB away from becoming a member of this checklist of gamers with not less than 7 HR & 15 SB in a calendar month (since not less than 1901):
2004 Aug Carlos Beltran: 10 HR, 16 SB1996 Sept Barry Bonds: 7 HR, 15 SB1986 Could Rickey Henderson: 7 HR, 20 SB…
Spoiler alert: De La Cruz truly has stolen his fifteenth base of the season, formally making him a member of that unique membership.
The unimaginable De La Cruz is slashing a cool .306/.416/.635 with seven homers, 15 steals, and a 1.051 OPS.
For reference, his OPS final yr was .710.
De La Cruz has elevated his energy output, is taking extra walks, has minimize down on his strikeouts, and is working far more typically this yr.
Principally, he made enhancements in every thing he wanted to work on heading into the season.
He’s now a real monster on the plate, and the sky is the restrict for him.
There may be nonetheless an extended option to go, but when he retains taking part in like this, he might be part of the 30-30 or 40-40 membership as soon as the season is over.