Elly De La Cruz, a young and dynamic player for the Cincinnati Reds, recently made waves by announcing Jonathan India as the 2024 National League Most Valuable Player (NL MVP), marking a heartfelt gesture of admiration and respect for a teammate whose impact on the team has been undeniable. India, a cornerstone of the Reds’ infield, has long been considered one of the club’s most influential players, and De La Cruz’s announcement is a testament to the camaraderie that exists within the Reds’ locker room and the mutual respect the two players have for one another.
Jonathan India’s journey to the top of the National League has been a remarkable one, beginning with his draft by the Reds in 2018. A product of the University of Florida, India was selected fifth overall in the 2018 MLB Draft, and from the moment he stepped onto the field as a professional, he displayed the kind of talent and leadership that would soon make him a key player for the Reds. India’s rise was swift; in 2021, he was named the National League Rookie of the Year after an impressive season that saw him hit .269 with 20 home runs, 69 RBIs, and a .376 on-base percentage.
His impact on the Reds continued to grow over the next few seasons, and by 2024, India had become one of the most consistent players on the team. Known for his ability to get on base, his strong defensive skills, and his leadership in the clubhouse, India’s value to the Reds extended far beyond his impressive statistics. He had become the heart and soul of the team, inspiring his teammates with his work ethic and unwavering commitment to winning.
De La Cruz, the 22-year-old Dominican shortstop who burst onto the scene in 2023, has been a revelation for the Reds. His electrifying speed, combined with his incredible power, made him one of the most exciting young players in all of baseball. In just his first full season, De La Cruz proved to be a major catalyst for the Reds’ success, hitting for average, power, and playing exceptional defense. His presence in the lineup immediately elevated the team, and it became clear that he was a future star in the making.
As De La Cruz settled into the Reds’ lineup, he forged strong relationships with his teammates, particularly with India. The veteran leadership of India paired perfectly with the youthful energy of De La Cruz, creating a unique dynamic that propelled the team to new heights. The two players often spoke about how they pushed each other to be better, with India serving as a mentor to De La Cruz while also learning from the young star’s raw athleticism and fearless approach to the game.
So when De La Cruz took to social media or perhaps made his statement in an interview declaring Jonathan India as the 2024 NL MVP, it was not just a reflection of India’s statistical production but a recognition of the intangible qualities that made him so valuable to the Reds. The MVP award is often given to players who put up exceptional numbers, but there’s also an element of leadership and influence that plays into the decision. In India’s case, De La Cruz saw a player who had done more than just put up numbers—he had become the centerpiece of the team’s culture.
India’s 2024 season had been nothing short of spectacular. He had built upon his previous years with improved numbers across the board. Batting in the heart of the lineup, India had posted career highs in batting average, home runs, and RBIs. His ability to drive in runs, coupled with his consistency at the plate, made him one of the most feared hitters in the National League. India’s on-base percentage, an area of strength for him, remained elite, as his eye for the strike zone and discipline at the plate were critical to the Reds’ offensive success.
Defensively, India had also taken his game to the next level. Known for his solid glove work at second base, he had consistently made key plays in clutch moments. His leadership in the field, guiding his fellow infielders and working with the pitchers, was invaluable to the Reds’ pitching staff, which had shown considerable improvement in 2024. India’s understanding of the game allowed him to position himself effectively and make plays that didn’t necessarily show up in the box score but were crucial to the team’s overall performance.
De La Cruz’s recognition of India’s greatness was not just about what he had done on the field but also what he meant to the team off it. India’s leadership had been pivotal in the development of the younger players, especially De La Cruz, who looked to India as a mentor and role model. The two players often worked together on their craft, with India sharing his insights on hitting, fielding, and the mental aspects of the game. De La Cruz admired India’s ability to stay focused, even in high-pressure situations, and India had helped De La Cruz learn how to handle the intensity of a full MLB season.
The Reds, as a team, had experienced a resurgence in 2024, and much of that success could be attributed to the leadership of veterans like India and the energy and excitement brought by the younger players like De La Cruz. With a blend of experience and youth, the Reds were poised to make a deep run in the postseason, and India’s contributions were instrumental in keeping the team on track.
While the official voting for the NL MVP was still to come, De La Cruz’s declaration of India as the winner was an important moment for the Reds and their fans. It highlighted the importance of team dynamics, the value of leadership, and the fact that sometimes the MVP is not just about the numbers but about how a player elevates the entire team. India had done just that, and De La Cruz’s recognition of that made the statement all the more powerful.
As the 2024 MLB season progressed, the Reds continued to thrive, with Jonathan India playing an integral role in their success. Whether or not India ultimately took home the MVP award, the recognition from his teammate and fellow star, Elly De La Cruz, underscored the importance of leadership and the impact one player can have on an entire organization.
In a season filled with outstanding individual performances, it was clear that for De La Cruz, the true value of Jonathan India extended far beyond the statistics. India had helped shape the Reds’ resurgence, and in De La Cruz’s eyes, that made him deserving of the highest honor in the National League.