The Cincinnati Reds might not seem to have anything to play for after being eliminated from playoff contention this week. But keep an eye on Elly De La Cruz. The Reds' shortstop made franchise history again Friday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Not the kind of history he wants. But history.
When he swung and missed for strike three against left-hander Joey Wentz, that bumped De La Cruz's MLB-leading strikeout total to 205, tying Drew Stubbs' 2011 franchise record for Ks by a hitter in a season.
Then from the other side of the plate in the eighth, De La Cruz struck out swinging against right-hander Isaac Mattson to break the record.
De La Cruz, who also nabbed his MLB-leading 65th stolen base in Friday's fourth inning (100th of his career), has seven games remaining this season to add to both numbers.
Despite the high number of strikeouts, the All-Star shortstop's big K rate of 30.9 percent is actually down nearly three full percentage points from his 2023 rookie season (33.7).
De La Cruz's Record-Breaking Night
De La Cruz has been an electrifying player since he arrived in the majors last year, and his combination of power and speed is unlike anything we've seen in the league. He's already one of the most exciting young players in baseball, and he's only going to get better. But even with all of his success, it's still a little surprising to see him break a franchise record for strikeouts. De La Cruz has a very aggressive approach at the plate, and that can sometimes lead to him swinging at pitches that he shouldn't. He's also one of the fastest runners in the league, and he has a tendency to try to pull the ball too much. This can make it difficult for him to hit consistently, and it also leads to a lot of strikeouts.
The Impact of De La Cruz's Strikeouts
Despite his high strikeout rate, De La Cruz is still a valuable player for the Reds. He provides a lot of offense, he's a great defender, and he's a threat to steal bases whenever he's on base. The Reds need to continue to develop him, but it's clear that he has the potential to be a superstar in this league.
De La Cruz's Success Despite the Strikeouts
De La Cruz's ability to excel despite his high strikeout rate is a testament to his unique skill set. He has a rare blend of power, speed, and athleticism that makes him a threat to the opposition in every facet of the game. While his strikeout rate may be a concern for some, it is important to remember that he is still a very young player and that he is still developing his swing. It's possible that his strikeout rate could improve over time, but even if it doesn't, he is still a valuable asset to the Reds. De La Cruz's impact on the game goes far beyond just his batting average, and it is clear that he is a game-changer who will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
De La Cruz's Future in the League
De La Cruz is one of the most exciting players in baseball, and he's only going to get better. He has the potential to be a superstar in this league, and the Reds are fortunate to have him. He's a player who can change the game with one swing of the bat, and he's a player who can excite fans with his speed and athleticism. De La Cruz is a player to watch, and he's going to be a big part of the Reds' future.
The Reds' Future with De La Cruz
De La Cruz is a shining light in a Reds' organization that is rebuilding. He's a player that the fans can get excited about, and he's a player that the team can build around. He's one of the most exciting young players in baseball, and he's only going to get better. The Reds' future is bright with De La Cruz leading the way.
