JUST IN: Elly de la Cruz Nominated for 2025 MVP Award
In what has quickly become one of the most exciting seasons in Cincinnati Reds history, Elly de la Cruz has been nominated for the 2025 Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The 21-year-old shortstop has burst onto the MLB scene with an electric combination of speed, power, and defensive prowess that has captured the attention of baseball fans everywhere. His rise to MVP contention is a testament to his exceptional talent, relentless work ethic, and the bright future ahead for both him and the Reds.
### A Rising Star in the MLB
Elly de la Cruz’s journey to the major leagues is one of rapid ascension. After signing with the Reds as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, he quickly showcased his tools in the minor leagues. By 2021, he was already one of the top prospects in baseball, and his performance in 2022 — including his incredible batting line at Double-A — solidified him as a future star.
Known for his raw athleticism, de la Cruz is a rare player who combines a 70-grade (on the 20-80 scouting scale) power tool with a 70-grade speed tool. His physical gifts are obvious: at 6’5″ and 200 pounds, he’s an imposing figure at the plate, yet his ability to steal bases and cover ground in the field belies his size. His scouting report in 2023 highlighted his potential to be a five-tool player, a distinction that not many prospects earn.
De la Cruz made his MLB debut in 2023, and by the following season, it was clear that he was ready to make an impact at the highest level. His play during the 2024 season cemented his status as one of the most dynamic players in baseball. After a promising debut season, Elly’s growth in 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular.
### A Breakout 2025 Season
In 2025, de la Cruz has taken his game to another level. Through the first half of the season, he has demonstrated an impressive combination of power, contact, and elite baserunning that has made him an early MVP candidate.
De la Cruz has maintained a batting average hovering near .300, with 30+ home runs and 40+ stolen bases in his sights as he heads into the final stretch of the season. His on-base percentage has also been strong, boosted by his disciplined approach at the plate and an ability to make consistent contact. His raw power has translated into some jaw-dropping moments, including multi-home run games and towering shots to the deepest parts of the ballpark.
But it’s not just his bat that has impressed. Elly de la Cruz has proven to be a plus defender at shortstop, displaying quick hands and an ability to turn double plays with precision. His range and strong arm make him a vital part of the Reds’ infield defense, and he has also shown the versatility to handle other positions if needed, further adding to his value.
Perhaps the most electric part of de la Cruz’s game is his baserunning. With his combination of speed and smarts on the basepaths, he is a constant threat to steal a base or advance an extra 90 feet. His ability to wreak havoc on opposing pitchers and catchers has led to countless scoring opportunities for the Reds, putting additional pressure on opposing defenses.
One of the most remarkable aspects of de la Cruz’s game in 2025 has been his consistency. He has maintained a high level of play throughout the entire season, making him one of the most dependable players in the league. As a result, he has become the cornerstone of the Reds’ lineup, and his performance has had a significant impact on the team’s success.
### The Reds’ Resurgence
The Cincinnati Reds have not been in the postseason conversation for much of the past decade, but with the emergence of Elly de la Cruz and a young, exciting core of players, they have found themselves in contention once again. De la Cruz’s presence at the top of the lineup has energized the team, and his ability to produce in clutch moments has been instrumental in helping the Reds compete with the best teams in the National League.
While the MVP award is typically given to players on teams that win or contend for division titles, de la Cruz has played a key role in keeping the Reds in the playoff race. As of the late summer of 2025, the Reds are in a tightly contested battle for a Wild Card spot, with de la Cruz serving as the sparkplug that drives their offense and energizes the entire roster.
In a league dominated by established superstars, the meteoric rise of de la Cruz has given the Reds a sense of optimism they haven’t experienced in years. His ability to perform at such a high level, even in high-pressure moments, is a testament to his maturity and composure. Should the Reds make a deep postseason run, it would only enhance his MVP candidacy.
### A Bright Future Ahead
If de la Cruz wins the MVP award in 2025, it would mark a major milestone in his already impressive career. He would join an exclusive group of young players who have won the award early in their careers, placing him in the same company as the likes of Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, and Ken Griffey Jr.
However, even if he doesn’t claim the MVP this season, the nomination alone is a massive achievement and signals just how bright his future is. De la Cruz has already established himself as one of the top players in baseball, and as his game continues to develop, it’s hard to imagine a future where he isn’t consistently in the MVP conversation for years to come.
With his combination of raw talent, work ethic, and determination, Elly de la Cruz is poised to be a central figure in the baseball world for a long time. Reds fans have witnessed the rise of a superstar, and the entire league is taking notice. Whether he wins the MVP in 2025 or not, there’s no question that de la Cruz is a player to watch for the next decade. His potential is limitless, and the best may still be yet to come.