Imagine this: a star player, Elly De La Cruz, walks away from a contract that would have made him the highest-paid in the franchise's history. But here's the twist - he's not going anywhere! De La Cruz, the Reds' shortstop, has a story that's both intriguing and a little controversial.
The Offer and the Decision
According to Reds president of baseball operations, Nick Krall, De La Cruz, at just 24 years old, was offered a contract that surpassed Joey Votto's record-breaking $225 million deal from 2012. This offer, presented during Spring Training in 2025, would have been the biggest in Reds history. However, De La Cruz decided to pass on it, and Krall didn't reveal the exact reasons why.
A Secure Future?
Despite turning down the extension, De La Cruz is still under contract with the Reds until 2029. He's also eligible for arbitration in 2027, which could lead to a salary boost. So, he's not leaving anytime soon, and this decision might just pay off in the long run.
The Player's Profile
De La Cruz, a two-time All-Star, is renowned for his batting skills. He led the Reds in home runs in both 2024 and 2025 and was the league-wide leader in stolen bases in 2024. In the 2025 season, he hit 22 home runs, recorded 86 RBIs, and appeared in all 162 games, with a batting average of .264 and an OPS of .776. However, his defensive skills have been questioned, with him leading the league in fielding errors for two consecutive seasons.
A Tall Tale
Standing at 6'5", De La Cruz is one of the tallest shortstops to ever play the game. He began his journey with the Reds in his native Dominican Republic, playing for the Dominican Summer League Reds in 2018. He then worked his way through the Reds' minor league affiliates in the US before making his professional debut in Cincinnati in 2023.
A Similar Story
Interestingly, the Reds made a similar offer to Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber last year, a five-year, $125 million deal. Schwarber, also a native of Ohio, declined, choosing to re-sign with the Phillies until 2030.
So, what do you think? Was De La Cruz's decision to turn down the offer a smart move? Or did he miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
