Brief Introduction of Elly De La Cruz
Elly Antonio De La Cruz is a Dominican professional baseball shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his exceptional combination of power, speed, and a strong throwing arm, he has quickly become one of the most exciting players to watch in the sport. Since his MLB debut in 2023, De La Cruz has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike with his record-breaking performances and dynamic style of play. His ability to hit for power from both sides of the plate, steal bases at a prolific rate, and make sensational plays in the infield has established him as a rising superstar and a key figure in the future of baseball.
Elly De La Cruz Overview
| Full Name | Elly Antonio De La Cruz |
| Date of Birth | January 11, 2002 |
| Age | 24 years old |
| Birthplace | Sabana Grande de Boyá, Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Shortstop |
| Famous For | His electrifying performance as a shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, record-breaking speed, and power hitting. |
| Education | Niche Baseball Academy in Santo Domingo. |
| Marital Status | Dating |
| Spouse / Partner | Raye Webb |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | Approximately $400,000 |
Early Life and Education of Elly De La Cruz
Elly De La Cruz was born in Sabana Grande de Boyá, a town in the Dominican Republic, to his parents Antonio and Carmen De La Cruz. He grew up in a large family with eight older siblings, including a twin brother named Pedro. From a very young age, De La Cruz showed an immense passion for baseball, often hitting tennis and rubber balls as a child. His determination to pursue a professional career was evident when he left home at the tender age of six to live with his coach’s brother to receive better training. At age 10, he moved to the capital, Santo Domingo, to train at a more prominent baseball academy, a decision that was crucial for his development. Despite facing challenges and nearly quitting in his teenage years due to a lack of interest from MLB scouts, his mother’s encouragement kept his dream alive.
Elly De La Cruz Career
Early Career
De La Cruz’s professional journey began on July 2, 2018, when he signed with the Cincinnati Reds as an international free agent for a modest $65,000 bonus. He made his professional debut in 2019 with the Dominican Summer League Reds, where he hit .285 in 43 games. The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, temporarily halting his progress. In 2021, he played for the Arizona Complex League Reds and the Daytona Tortugas, showcasing his potential by batting a combined .296 with eight home runs and 10 stolen bases. His rapid ascent continued in 2022 as he played for the High-A Dayton Dragons and Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts, hitting .304 with 28 homers and 47 stolen bases, earning him numerous accolades, including being named the Reds’ Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America.
Breakthrough
The highly anticipated breakthrough for Elly De La Cruz came on June 6, 2023, when the Cincinnati Reds promoted him to the major leagues. He made an immediate impact, showcasing his extraordinary talents. A defining moment of his rookie season came just a few weeks after his debut, on June 23, 2023, when he hit for the cycle against the Atlanta Braves, becoming one of the youngest players in MLB history to achieve this feat. This accomplishment, coupled with his consistent display of incredible power and speed, such as recording the fastest infield assist and some of the highest exit velocities, quickly established him as one of the most exciting and must-watch players in baseball.
Major Achievements and Success
Since his debut, Elly De La Cruz has accumulated a remarkable list of achievements. He is a two-time MLB All-Star, having been selected in 2024 and 2025. In 2024, he led the major leagues in stolen bases. He has set multiple MLB records, becoming the first player since 1900 with at least 115 extra-base hits and 115 stolen bases through his first 300 games. He also became the fastest player in MLB history to reach 300 hits, 150 RBIs, and 100 stolen bases. In 2024, he joined the exclusive 20-60 club, being the first shortstop in history to hit at least 20 home runs and steal 60 bases in a season. His phenomenal performance has also led to him being named a cover athlete for the video game MLB The Show 25.
Recent Work / Current Status
De La Cruz continues to be a cornerstone for the Cincinnati Reds as their starting shortstop. In his most recent full season, he played in 160 games, nearly doubling his home run and stolen base totals from the previous year, finishing with 25 homers and 67 steals. His impressive performance earned him an 8th place finish in the National League MVP voting. Off the field, he remains a popular figure, with his jersey being one of the top sellers in MLB. He continues to focus on refining his skills, particularly on improving his consistency at the plate and making routine defensive plays.
Elly De La Cruz Awards and Achievements
- 2x MLB All-Star (2024, 2025)
- MLB Stolen Base Leader (2024)
- Reds’ Minor League Player of the Year (2022)
- Midwest League Prospect of the Year (2022)
- All-Star Futures Game Selection (2022)
- Cover Athlete for MLB The Show 25
Elly De La Cruz Personal Life & Family
Family is a significant part of Elly De La Cruz’s life. He is the son of Antonio and Carmen De La Cruz and has eight older siblings. He often speaks about the sacrifices his family made and wears a pendant with a photo of him and his mother from the day he signed with the Reds. In June 2025, he mourned the loss of his sister, Genelis De La Cruz Sanchez. De La Cruz maintains a close relationship with his family, who have been a constant source of motivation throughout his career.
Elly De La Cruz Relationship Details
Elly De La Cruz is in a relationship with Raye Webb. The couple made their public debut on the red carpet of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. Webb is a graduate of Ohio State University, where she earned a degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She is often seen at the ballpark cheering for De La Cruz and frequently shares supportive messages and photos on her social media. The couple has not disclosed details about when or how they first met. De La Cruz has no children.
Elly De La Cruz Net Worth and Income
Elly De La Cruz’s net worth is estimated to be around $400,000. His primary source of income is his salary from the Cincinnati Reds. For the 2025 season, he signed a one-year contract worth approximately $800,000-$820,000. In addition to his MLB salary, De La Cruz earns a significant income from endorsements. He has deals with major brands such as the Jordan Brand and is featured as a cover athlete for MLB The Show. An early career financial agreement with the investment firm Big League Advantage means he pays the company a percentage of his MLB earnings.
Elly De La Cruz Physical Appearance
- Height: 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm)
- Weight: 200 lbs (90 kg)
- Eye Color: Not publicly available
- Hair Color: Black
Elly De La Cruz Controversies
No major controversies have been reported regarding Elly De La Cruz. Early in his career, in a game in July 2023, his bat was challenged by the opposing manager for having an empty sensor casing on the knob. The umpires initially asked him to remove it, but it was quickly determined to be legal by the league office, and he was allowed to use it. De La Cruz proceeded to hit a home run later in that same game with the approved bat.
Elly De La Cruz Social Media Presence
- Instagram – @la_cocoa_____18
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Interesting Facts about Elly De La Cruz
- He is one of the tallest shortstops in MLB history at 6 feet 5 inches.
- As a child, he told his mother that if she spent money on clothes for him, it had better be a baseball jersey.
- He is a switch-hitter, meaning he can bat both left-handed and right-handed.
- He became the first Reds player to be a cover athlete for the MLB The Show video game series.
- De La Cruz wears a locket with a photo of his parents that was taken on the day he signed his professional contract with the Reds.
Elly De La Cruz Legacy and Influence
Despite his relatively short time in the major leagues, Elly De La Cruz is already shaping a significant legacy. He is viewed as a transcendent talent whose unique combination of size, speed, and power is changing the game. His electrifying style of play brings an undeniable excitement and energy to the field, drawing in fans and inspiring a new generation of players. Fellow players, even established stars, now approach him for advice on base stealing and preparation, a testament to the respect he has quickly earned around the league. His journey from a small town in the Dominican Republic, overcoming early career struggles and being overlooked by scouts, serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes. De La Cruz is not just a statistical marvel; he is a charismatic figure who is becoming one of the new faces of Major League Baseball.
Final Words about Elly De La Cruz
Elly De La Cruz’s ascent from an overlooked prospect to a bona fide MLB superstar is a story of relentless dedication and extraordinary talent. In a remarkably short period, he has shattered records and redefined what is possible at the shortstop position. His journey, marked by early sacrifices and unwavering family support, has culminated in him becoming one of baseball’s most dynamic and popular players. With a highlight reel of achievements that continues to grow, from hitting for the cycle to leading the league in stolen bases and earning multiple All-Star selections, his impact on the Cincinnati Reds and the sport as a whole is undeniable. As he continues to mature and hone his craft, Elly De La Cruz is not just playing the game; he is changing it, creating a lasting legacy as one of the most exciting talents of his generation.