Inside The Reds

New Face of Major League Baseball? MLB Analyst Makes Bold Prediction About Elly De La Cruz

The Reds star shortstop has the potential to be one of the top players in baseball.

James Rapien

Apr 5, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) looks on during batting practice prior to the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Apr 5, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) looks on during batting practice prior to the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images / Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
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CINCINNATI — Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is already considered one of the most exciting players in baseball.

Could he be the new face of Major League Baseball?

Former MLB first baseman Xavier Scruggs thinks so.

"If Elly makes this adjustment all season, I think we're talking about the new face of MLB," Scruggs tweeted.

The tweet was accompanied by a video where Scruggs explained De La Cruz's ability to battle back in an at-bat against Justin Verlander earlier this season.

If De La Cruz continues to progress with his approach at the plate, there's no telling how good he could be this season and beyond.

Check out the clip of Scruggs below:

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James Rapien
JAMES RAPIEN

James Rapien is the publisher of Bengals, Reds and Bearcats On SI. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati and has spent a decade covering Cincinnati sports. He's the author of Enter The Jungle, a book about the history of the Cincinnati Bengals. Prior to joining SI, Rapien was a host and producer at 700 WLW and ESPN 1530 in Cincinnati.

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