Elly De La Cruz Poised for Another 50+ Steal Season in 2026

Reds' switch-hitting superstar ready to build on his impressive stolen base totals.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Elly De La Cruz, the Cincinnati Reds' 24-year-old outfielder, is expected to have another 50+ steal season in 2026 despite playing through a quad injury for much of the 2025 campaign. With a healthy quad and more power hitters behind him in the lineup, De La Cruz is poised to build on his impressive 139 steals in 420 career games so far.

Why it matters

De La Cruz's ability to swipe bases at an elite level is a key part of the Reds' offensive attack. After leading the league with 67 steals in 2025, another 50+ steal season would cement De La Cruz's status as one of the most dynamic base-stealing threats in Major League Baseball.

The details

New Reds manager Terry Francona has moved De La Cruz from the leadoff spot to the #3 hole in the lineup, which could provide him with more RBI opportunities while still allowing him to utilize his speed on the basepaths. Despite playing through a quad injury for much of 2025, De La Cruz still managed 37 steals, showcasing his elite athleticism. With a healthy offseason and more protection in the lineup, De La Cruz is poised to challenge for the stolen base title again in 2026.

  • Elly De La Cruz is entering his age 24 season in 2026.
  • In 2025, De La Cruz filed a 67 steal season at just 22 years old.
  • De La Cruz has 139 steals in 420 career games so far.

The players

Elly De La Cruz

A 24-year-old outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds, known for his elite speed and base-stealing ability.

Terry Francona

The current manager of the Cincinnati Reds, who has moved De La Cruz from the leadoff spot to the #3 hole in the lineup.

David Bell

The previous manager of the Cincinnati Reds, who had a different approach to baserunning than Francona.

Sal Stewart

A power hitter in the Reds' lineup who could provide more protection for De La Cruz.

Eugenio Suárez

Another power hitter in the Reds' lineup who could provide more protection for De La Cruz.

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What they’re saying

“Elly's got a handful of 50+ steal seasons in those legs, and we'll look back at 2025 as the exception to the rule.”

— Wick Terrell, Writer (yahoo.com)

What’s next

Elly De La Cruz will look to build on his impressive stolen base totals in the 2026 season, with the goal of leading the league in steals once again.

The takeaway

Elly De La Cruz's elite speed and base-stealing ability are a key part of the Cincinnati Reds' offensive attack. After a 67-steal season in 2025, De La Cruz is poised for another 50+ steal campaign in 2026, cementing his status as one of the most dynamic base-stealing threats in Major League Baseball.