Elly De La Cruz Sets Cincinnati Ablaze With Historic Power-Speed Start

Cincinnati shortstop becomes first MLB shortstop since 1900 with 5 homers and 5 steals in first 16 games.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:04pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements of Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz, with sharp geometric planes in the team's colors of red, orange, and navy blue capturing his power at the plate and speed on the basepaths.Elly De La Cruz's explosive start to the 2026 season has Cincinnati fans buzzing with excitement over the Reds' young superstar.Cincinnati Today

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz, 24, has become the first MLB shortstop since 1900 to record at least 5 home runs and 5 stolen bases through his team's first 16 games of the season. De La Cruz's rare combination of power and speed has sparked MVP chatter and made him must-see TV for Reds fans.

Why it matters

De La Cruz's historic start has turned him into a breakout star for the Reds, who are looking to build around the young talent. His ability to both hit for power and create runs with his speed makes him a unique and valuable asset that could propel the Reds to success this season.

The details

Through 17 games, De La Cruz is hitting .284 with a .360 on-base percentage, a .912 OPS, 10 RBIs and 37 total bases in 67 at-bats. His rare mix of size, arm strength and top-tier sprint speed has already sparked bursts of MVP chatter, and some are even speculating he could chase a 50-homer, 50-steal campaign - a feat only accomplished by Shohei Ohtani in MLB history.

  • Through the Reds' first 16 games, De La Cruz had already recorded at least 5 home runs and 5 stolen bases.
  • As of April 15, 2026, De La Cruz has played in 17 games this season.

The players

Elly De La Cruz

A 24-year-old shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds who has become a breakout star with his historic power-speed start to the 2026 season.

Cincinnati Reds

The Major League Baseball team that Elly De La Cruz plays for, who are looking to build around the young talent.

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What’s next

If De La Cruz can maintain this level of production over a full 162-game season, he could cement his status as a true MLB superstar and potentially chase historic milestones like a 50-homer, 50-steal campaign.

The takeaway

Elly De La Cruz's historic power-speed start has turned him into a must-watch player and the centerpiece of the Reds' future. His rare combination of skills makes him a unique and valuable asset that could propel the Reds to success this season and beyond.