The 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, held at Atlanta’s Truist Park, spotlighted two of the sport’s most electrifying young talents: Oneil Cruz and Elly De La Cruz. Known for their remarkable speed and raw power, these players are redefining expectations for baseball stars today, making the ongoing Oneil Cruz baseball power rivalry a focal point for fans and analysts alike. Cruz’s massive display included 21 home runs in the opening round, highlighted by a 513-foot shot that matched Aaron Judge’s longest non-Coors Field homer recorded by Statcast.
Examining the Parallels Between the Two Phenoms
Both Oneil Cruz and Elly De La Cruz possess striking similarities beyond their shared surname. Each began their careers as shortstops, showcasing agility and athleticism fundamental to the position. While Oneil Cruz has transitioned to the outfield, Elly De La Cruz continues to patrol shortstop for the Reds. Their builds and explosive capabilities have often led fans and commentators to compare them directly. The fierce power potential these two athletes exhibit at any moment has amplified public interest around whether they are connected beyond the game.
Dispelling the Myth: No Family Ties Between Cruz and De La Cruz
The speculation about a blood relationship has now been put to rest. Despite popular curiosity, there is no familial connection between Oneil Cruz and Elly De La Cruz. The coincidence of their last names and similar playing styles sparked rumors, but these are unfounded.
“No, O’Neil Cruz and Elly De La Cruz are not related,”
—Official statement addressing the rumor
Although unrelated, the parallel paths of their careers and identical mix of speed and power have created an unofficial rivalry fueled by the excitement they bring to the field.
Comparing Athletic Prowess: Power and Speed Metrics
Their talent extends to measurable elite-level statistics. Oneil Cruz recorded the hardest hit baseball in the Statcast era with a 122.9 mph blast, while Elly De La Cruz is not far behind, reaching a peak exit velocity of 119.2 mph in 2023. Both athletes are also known for their speed, with Cruz sprinting at 29.3 mph and De La Cruz just slightly slower at 29.1 mph, making them formidable threats both at the plate and on the bases.
The Growing Excitement and What Fans Can Expect Next
As Oneil Cruz continues his dominant performance in the Home Run Derby, fans are increasingly eager to witness Elly De La Cruz’s presence at the event to see the two players compete head-to-head on such a grand stage. The absence of De La Cruz has left some longing for a true showdown between the two power hitters, which many believe would elevate the excitement surrounding baseball’s emerging talent.
Questions remain about whether the sport is witnessing the birth of a new rivalry that could capture national attention and push both players to even greater feats. With both stars firing on all cylinders, the future may see them meet again in high-profile moments, intensifying their competition and showcasing the next evolution of baseball power hitting.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What surgery did Oneil Cruz have?
A. Greg Altman and Dr. Darren Frank treated Cruz’s broken left fibula and dealt with a syndesmosis injury. This joint near the ankle is connected by ligaments. Manager Derek Shelton was somewhat relieved that the injury only affected the ankle area and not the rest of the left leg.
Q. What was Oneil Cruz’s injury?
A. Cruz is sidelined with a right foot injury. Oneil Cruz, already playing sparingly this season, is now officially on the injured list. MLB.com’s 91st overall prospect fractured his right foot during a Class A Advanced Bradenton game on Saturday night.