The Cincinnati Reds are capturing national attention this weekend during a prominent event held at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee, broadcast on FOX. Two legendary former MLB shortstops, Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter, have openly expressed admiration for Reds rising talent Elly De La Cruz Reds Superstar, highlighting him as one of baseball’s most promising stars.
Derek Jeter shared his hopes for the Reds’ success during the FOX pregame show, emphasizing the importance of the team making the postseason sooner rather than later. He said,
“This is what I hope for the baseball world, the Reds, whether it is this year or next year, they need to get into the postseason,”
and added,
“He’s someone everyone needs to see.”
—Derek Jeter, Former MLB Shortstop.
Statistical Breakthroughs Mark De La Cruz’s Rise
Elly De La Cruz’s performance in the 2024 season has drawn attention through impressive statistics, reflecting his rapid development as a player. He is currently slashing .283/.362/.486 with 29 stolen bases, sustaining his reputation with All-Star appearances in the last two seasons. His growth includes notable improvements in reducing his strikeout rate—from 31.3% in 2024 down to 24.5%—while also raising his walk rate from 9.9% to 10.7%, signaling enhanced discipline at the plate.
Alex Rodriguez expressed excitement about De La Cruz’s potential impact on the game, stating,
“Tonight, America gets to see what could be the best player in the game for the next 15 years,”
highlighting high expectations for his future. —Alex Rodriguez, Former MLB Shortstop and Analyst.
Game Postponement Highlights Challenges of Event Weekend
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the event, Saturday’s game was postponed due to rain and rescheduled to continue Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Michael Hill, MLB’s senior vice president of on-field operations, provided clarity on the situation, saying,
“We’re going to suspend tonight’s game. … We are optimistic for a better weather forecast for tomorrow,”
reflecting the league’s cautious approach in maintaining player safety and fan experience. —Michael Hill, MLB Senior Vice President.
The rain forced many of the more than 85,000 ticket holders to leave early, raising questions about how many will return for the rescheduled game. The scale of the event and its setup also drew appreciation from Braves first baseman Matt Olson, who remarked,
“Honestly, my first thought: I can’t believe they did all this for one game,”
and praised the logistics,
“To be able to set all this up, get a playing surface ready, set the stands up in order to have the proper viewing, it’s pretty incredible.”
—Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves First Baseman.
The Reds Aim to Build Momentum with Key Victory
The Cincinnati Reds are eager to capitalize on the excitement generated by De La Cruz and secure a series victory over the Atlanta Braves, hoping to boost their season record to 59-53. Success at this stage could be pivotal for the team’s postseason chances, an objective endorsed by both Jeter and Rodriguez in their commentary.
As the spotlight intensifies on Elly De La Cruz Reds Superstar, his continued growth and performance could reshape the future landscape of baseball. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he fulfills the promise that two of the game’s greatest shortstops have recognized early on.