Reds star shortstop on pace for historic season

Cincinnati Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz is not only matching the hype that preceded his arrival to the major leagues, but he is beginning to exceed it. 

His start to the 2024 season has been so dominant that he is currently on track for numbers that have never been achieved in the league's history, specifically in terms of home runs and stolen bases.

Entering play on Friday, De La Cruz has hit eight home runs and stolen a league-leading 18 bases for the Reds.

While it is early, projecting those numbers out over a 162-game season would put him on pace for more than 40 home runs and 90 stolen bases, which no player has ever accomplished.

This comes just one year after Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. became the first player to ever top the 40 home run and 70 stolen base mark in a single season, earning him the 2023 NL MVP Award.

Players reaching these historic numbers are a reflection of two things in the league right now.

The first — and obvious — is the incredibly high level of young talent that has entered the league in recent years. Players like Acuna Jr. and De La Cruz are sensational with skillsets that put them among the league's elite and most impactful.

The stolen bases represent the rule changes involving the pitch clock, the number of pitcher disengagements allowed during at-bats and the larger bases. Those changes have opened a window for more stolen bases, and players with speed and base-running instincts are feasting on it. 

Along with the power and stolen base numbers, De La Cruz is also hitting .289 with a .968 OPS and playing at an MVP level. He is still only 22 years old and has his best days in front of him.