Cincinnati Reds standout Elly De La Cruz draws inspiration from Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry’s unconventional playing style as part of his development in Major League Baseball. During an interview with Charlie Goldsmith from Cincinnati Magazine, De La Cruz shared that he studies Curry’s game because it stands out from the typical style seen in basketball.
Steph changed the game, De La Cruz said. I play different, too.
Embracing Confidence and Uniqueness on the Field
Although De La Cruz has never met Curry personally, he emphasized that watching Curry taught him one key lesson: to trust in his own ability. This confidence has helped shape De La Cruz into one of MLB’s most promising young talents, known for his distinctive blend of physical attributes and playing style that separates him from his peers.
Breaking Barriers as a Tall Shortstop with Exceptional Athleticism
One major aspect that makes De La Cruz stand out is his height—he is 6-foot-5, a rare stature for a shortstop. Keith Law of The Athletic noted that no MLB player listed 6-foot-5 or taller has ever regularly played shortstop, with only seven players even attempting the position at that height throughout their careers. This unusual combination of size and positional agility has drawn significant attention.
De La Cruz pairs this physical advantage with elite speed and power, becoming an all-around threat. At just 23 years old, he led the league last season with 67 stolen bases and is currently posting a career-high .486 slugging percentage in 2025, with 19 home runs across 111 games.
Statistical Excellence Reinforces De La Cruz’s Rising Star Status
According to Baseball Savant data, De La Cruz ranks in the 90th percentile or higher for arm strength, sprint speed, and baserunning value, while his bat speed sits in the 84th percentile. These metrics highlight his well-rounded skills and explain how he has become a formidable presence on the field.
De La Cruz’s Impact Aligns with Reds’ Playoff Push
The rise of De La Cruz coincides with the Cincinnati Reds establishing themselves as playoff contenders this season. Entering play on Saturday, the Reds trail the San Diego Padres by only 3.5 games for the final National League wild card berth, a testament to the positive momentum generated in part by De La Cruz’s performance.