BTN News: In the realm of Major League Baseball (MLB), where legends are born and records are made to be broken, a new name is quickly becoming synonymous with excitement and raw athleticism: Elly de la Cruz. At just 22 years old, this young star has already carved out a place for himself among the most electrifying players in the game today. With a unique blend of speed, power, and an arm that rivals the best, De la Cruz is not only setting records—he’s redefining what it means to be a top-tier shortstop in MLB.
On a Wednesday night that will be etched into the annals of baseball history, De la Cruz accomplished something extraordinary. The Cincinnati Reds phenom became only the fifth player ever to notch at least 60 stolen bases and 20 home runs in a single season. Not only did he achieve this rare feat, but he also became the youngest player to do so, surpassing MLB legends like Eric Davis, Ronald Acuña Jr., Rickey Henderson, and Joe Morgan. In an era where power hitters and speedsters rarely coexist in one player, De la Cruz is proving that he’s a unique blend of both, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the field.
In a thrilling game against the Toronto Blue Jays, De la Cruz went 4-for-3, including a crucial home run in the eighth inning that showcased his ever-growing power at the plate. Earlier in the game, he effortlessly stole third base, displaying the kind of speed that leaves defenses scrambling. His stolen base not only broke a personal 11-game drought but also marked his 60th of the season—a number that leads the entire MLB. What’s more, De la Cruz scored the game-tying run in the fifth inning with a daring slide home, beating out a throw from the shortstop after a grounder by Tyler Stephenson. These moments highlight not just his individual talent but his ability to impact the game in multiple ways, making him a constant threat to opponents.
What’s even more remarkable is that De la Cruz is only in his first full MLB season. With 35 games left in the 2024 season, the young shortstop has ample opportunity to elevate his already impressive stats. While Ronald Acuña Jr. is the only player to ever surpass 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season, De la Cruz could very well join that exclusive club. As he continues to develop and refine his game, the sky’s the limit for this rising star.
When Eric Davis accomplished the 20-60 milestone in 1986, he was 24 years old; Ronald Acuña Jr. was 25 when he did it in 2023. Rickey Henderson, the greatest base-stealer in MLB history, was 26 when he first achieved the feat in 1985, and Joe Morgan was 29 when he did it in 1973. Yet, none of these players managed to reach this milestone at the tender age of 22, making De la Cruz’s achievement even more impressive. Like Davis and Morgan, who also made history while playing for Cincinnati, De la Cruz is cementing his legacy as one of the most dynamic players to ever wear a Reds uniform.
Elly de la Cruz’s season has been a rollercoaster of highlights and historic moments, but it’s clear that this is just the beginning for the Dominican-born shortstop. As he continues to mature and hone his skills, there’s no telling what new heights he’ll reach. Whether he’s launching a home run into the stands or swiping a bag with ease, De la Cruz brings a level of excitement and unpredictability that few players can match. For fans of the game, watching his journey is nothing short of thrilling, and for opponents, figuring out how to stop him is becoming an increasingly difficult task.
As we look ahead to the final stretch of the 2024 season, all eyes will be on Elly de la Cruz. Will he become the second player in MLB history to achieve the 30-60 milestone? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: De la Cruz is a generational talent, and we’re lucky to witness his ascent to stardom. Keep an eye on this young phenom—he’s only just getting started, and the best is yet to come.
