Cincinnati is already planning ahead at shortstop, just in case.
By Drew Koch | May 13, 2025
Elly De La Cruz has become one of the most electrifying players in all of Major League Baseball. But while he’s thrilling fans with his speed and power, the Cincinnati Reds are quietly planning for a future where he’s no longer part of the team.
Though it’s tough for fans to hear, it’s unlikely De La Cruz will spend his entire career in a Reds uniform. He’s only in his second full MLB season, but with free agency looming after the 2029 campaign, Cincinnati’s front office appears to be preparing for the possibility that their superstar may eventually leave.
The Reds Are Already Stockpiling Shortstop Talent
Cincinnati has made shortstop a clear focus in recent drafts, including selecting and developing a trio of top talents: Edwin Arroyo, Sammy Stafura, and Tyson Lewis. Arroyo, currently ranked among MLB Pipeline’s top 100 prospects, is the most advanced of the group, while Stafura and Lewis are viewed as high-upside projects. One of them could be patrolling shortstop at Great American Ball Park in the not-so-distant future.
A Long-Term Extension? Unlikely.
The Reds technically still have time to lock up De La Cruz long-term. He won’t hit arbitration until at least 2027 (or possibly sooner via Super Two status). But there’s a major obstacle: Scott Boras, De La Cruz’s agent, is known for taking his clients to free agency rather than signing extensions before hitting the open market.
And given De La Cruz’s marketability, premium position, and rare skill set, it’s expected that multiple deep-pocketed teams would be eager to sign him — potentially for a deal rivaling those of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Juan Soto.
Arroyo, Stafura, and Lewis Could Be the Future
The Reds’ strategy of targeting high-ceiling shortstops is starting to make more sense. Stafura has impressed early in his time at Low-A Daytona and could be on the fast track to High-A. Lewis, just 19, has elite athleticism and raw tools that the Reds felt were worth a $3 million signing bonus to pry him away from college.
Arroyo, meanwhile, is already an MLB-caliber defender and could be ready for a big-league call-up as early as this season — though the team may prefer to let him continue developing in the minors. His glove outshines De La Cruz’s, though his bat remains a work in progress and lacks Elly’s power.
Could a Position Change Be in the Cards?
While it may be an unpopular idea, the Reds could eventually shift De La Cruz to the outfield if one of the younger shortstops proves too good to keep off the field. Arroyo is the closest, but Stafura and Lewis likely won’t debut for another two to three years.
De La Cruz will almost certainly remain a Red through at least the next few seasons, but beyond that, nothing is guaranteed. The Reds aren’t making any loud declarations — but by continuing to invest in elite shortstop prospects, they’re clearly thinking about life after Elly.
Enjoy the show while it lasts, Reds fans. The future might not include De La Cruz, but at least the team is planning ahead — whether you wanted them to or not.
