Headline: Sensational Start: Reds Sensation Elly De La Cruz Makes Strong Bid for MVP With Historic Performance!
Cincinnati Reds’ rising star Elly De La Cruz is asserting himself as a formidable contender for the National League MVP title with his remarkable performance early in the season. Despite being in just his first full season in the majors, De La Cruz has surged ahead at a pace that’s turning heads across the baseball world. His recent achievements place him in a league of his own.
Earlier this week, the 22-year-old infielder etched his name in the annals of baseball history by becoming only the second player since 1900 to tally five home runs and 10 stolen bases within the first 20 games of a season. This milestone, previously achieved only by Ken Williams of the St. Louis Browns in 1922, underscores De La Cruz’s exceptional start.
De La Cruz’s scorching batting form has made him one of the most feared hitters in the game. Ranking third in the majors with an impressive .651 slugging percentage and fourth with a stellar 1.063 OPS, he has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with at the plate. His seven home runs, tying him for second in the National League, coupled with a league-leading 15 stolen bases, further cement his status as a standout performer. Remarkably, he stands alone in MLB history with a .300 batting average, five homers, 15 steals, and a 1.000 OPS through the initial 24 games of a season. Additionally, De La Cruz joins a select group of Reds players since 1901 who have managed three stolen bases and a home run in a single game, surpassing Dave Concepción as the youngest to achieve this feat at just 22 years old.
De La Cruz’s trajectory points to a season of extraordinary achievements. If he maintains his current pace, he could potentially hit 47 home runs, steal 101 bases, and drive in 122 runs—an impressive feat by any measure. To put this in context, Ronald Acuña Jr., who claimed the 2023 NL MVP title, recorded 41 home runs, 106 RBIs, and 73 stolen bases.
Elly De La Cruz is on pace to hit 47 home runs and steal 101 bases and score 155 runs and drive in 122 runs this year and that's just ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/7QYi4nMlh9
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) April 25, 2024
Since his major league debut with the Reds on June 6th of the previous year, De La Cruz has injected a fresh burst of energy into the team. His impact was immediate, marked by a memorable 458-foot home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers the day after his debut. Just two weeks later, he made history as the youngest player since César Cedeño in 1972 to hit for the cycle. Concluding his rookie season with a batting line of .235/.300/.410, along with 13 home runs and 35 stolen bases in 98 games, De La Cruz laid the foundation for what promises to be a stellar career.
De La Cruz’s meteoric rise has captivated baseball enthusiasts, and this season, he’s taken his game to new heights with an impressive blend of power and speed. As he continues to rewrite the record books, the young phenom is firmly establishing himself as a frontrunner for the coveted National League MVP award.
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