Elly De La Cruz continues to make waves in his first full season with the Cincinnati Reds, etching his name alongside some of the franchise’s most legendary players. On Monday night, De La Cruz achieved a remarkable feat, becoming just the third player in Reds history to hit 20 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season.
The Cincinnati phenom’s latest milestone places him in esteemed company with Reds icons Eric Davis and Joe Morgan. Both Davis and Morgan, renowned for their dynamic play and game-changing abilities, accomplished this impressive combination of power and speed multiple times. Davis achieved it twice, while Morgan, a Hall of Famer and key figure in the Reds’ 1975 and 1976 World Series victories, did so thrice.
Elly De La Cruz just became the third Cincinnati Red to hit 20 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season, joining Eric Davis (twice) and Joe Morgan (three times).
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubMLB) August 6, 2024
De La Cruz’s ascension to this elite group is a testament to his extraordinary talent and potential. In his rookie season, he has demonstrated a rare blend of power and agility, showcasing the kind of all-around skills that make him a game-changer for the Reds. With 20 home runs and 50 stolen bases, De La Cruz has displayed the ability to impact games in multiple ways, making him a formidable presence on both sides of the ball.
While De La Cruz is now part of this prestigious fraternity, he will need more time to catch up with the accomplishments of Davis and Morgan, who set the bar high with their multiple seasons of elite production. However, the early signs are promising. De La Cruz’s dynamic style of play and impressive numbers suggest that he could be on a trajectory to join the ranks of Reds legends if he continues on this path.
As the Reds look to build on their promising future, Elly De La Cruz stands out as a beacon of hope and excitement. His unique combination of power and speed not only adds to his growing list of achievements but also sets the stage for what could be a remarkable career. For now, the Reds and their fans can revel in the latest milestone of their young star, eagerly anticipating the future of a player who has already proven himself to be among the best.
With his place secured in this elite Reds fraternity, De La Cruz’s journey is just beginning. The baseball world will be watching closely to see how his career unfolds and if he can surpass the feats of Davis and Morgan in the seasons to come.
