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Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is piecing together another All-Star-type season and possibly an MVP-type season. Through almost the first month of the season, De La Cruz is hitting .291 with a .951 OPS and is tied for fourth with James Wood of the Washington Nationals in the National League for home runs (10).
De La Cruz has also continued to showcase his speed, with eight steals (caught twice), which is good for an 80% steal percentage. According to the Red on X, the two-time All-Star is the first player since 1900 to have 10+ home runs and eight-plus stolen bases before May.
Elly De La Cruz is the first Major Leaguer since 1900 with 10+ homers and 8+ stolen bases before May ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/vdNwTyrh1A
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) April 29, 2026Elly De La Cruz continues to make a case to earn himself more money that the Cincinnati Reds may not pay
Even though De La Cruz is four seasons away from becoming a free agent, it's not stopping him from continuing to make the case for why he'll get paid. De La Cruz was the main reason the Reds overcame the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, driving in four of the Reds' seven runs — De La Cruz went 3-for-4 and hit a home run.
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Over the offseason, The Athletic’s C. Trent Rosecrans reported the Reds offered De La Cruz a record-breaking extension, which would've eclipsed Joey Votto’s 10-year $225 million contract. An extension is unlikely, as De La Cruz’s agent is Scott Boras, who is not known for signing his clients to extensions.
Given how well De La Cruz is doing and already turning down an extension, it is unlikely talks will resume. If De La Cruz continues to produce, he could be making a pretty penny when he's a free agent in 2030 or unless the Reds decide to pay him what he and Boras want.
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