Elly De La Cruz’s future potential excites many in the baseball community, but Athletics’ Reds writer C. Trent Rosecrans cautions that talent alone will not determine the shortstop’s destiny. Speaking on Tuesday, Rosecrans emphasized that, while De La Cruz possesses tremendous ability, history serves as a reminder that numerous factors impact a player’s career trajectory.
During his appearance on Mayor‘s Office with Sean Casey, Rosecrans highlighted examples of promising players whose careers were cut short due to circumstances beyond on-field performance, signaling the uncertainty surrounding De La Cruz’s continued success.
Examples from the Past Illustrate Possible Challenges Ahead
Rosecrans pointed to MLB stars Josh Hamilton and Eric Davis as cautionary tales. Hamilton, highly regarded for his skills, saw his once-promising career derailed by off-field struggles, including issues with substance abuse and personal problems. Similarly, Davis’s productive years were shortened because of injury and illness, depriving fans of witnessing their full potential.
“And so, like, you talk about the Josh Hamilton, Eric Davis,” Rosecrans said (timestamp 31:32). “This game, you know, it’s not just about talent. It’s about luck, it’s about opportunity, it’s about preparation, it’s about so many different things, recovery. You know, that you can be a talent like Elly De La Cruz, you can expect things like Elly De La Cruz, but you just never know.” —C. Trent Rosecrans, Athletics’ Reds Writer
He expressed the frustration felt by fans who missed out on witnessing Hamilton’s and Davis’s full careers, underscoring the hope that De La Cruz will avoid similar setbacks.
“As fans we were robbed of careers of Josh Hamilton and Eric Davis. And so, like, I hope and pray that we get to see Elly De La Cruz be everything we think he can be.” —C. Trent Rosecrans, Athletics’ Reds Writer
Elly De La Cruz’s Rising Stardom and Potential
At 23 years old, Elly De La Cruz has already secured two All-Star appearances and joined the rare club of players with at least 20 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season. Known for his electrifying play at shortstop, he is widely seen as a future star in Major League Baseball. Yet, as Rosecrans points out, maintaining success requires more than raw talent, involving numerous external and internal factors that influence a player’s longevity.
A Memorable Encounter with Josh Hamilton
Reflecting on previous greats, Rosecrans recounted his first impression of Josh Hamilton, the number one overall pick in the 1999 MLB draft. Hamilton reached peak achievement as AL MVP and ALCS MVP in 2010 while with the Texas Rangers, who later inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2019. Despite his remarkable accomplishments, Hamilton’s career was negatively affected by drug abuse and controversies.
Rosecrans shared a vivid memory from early 2007, just before spring training, when he encountered Hamilton and was struck by his physical presence and talent.
“It was the day before spring training started in ’07, and I was at the complex,” Rosecrans recalled [Timestamp 31:11]. “I had gone just to kind of say hi to some people, and I turn the corner and run almost literally into Josh coming off, um, into the clubhouse. And I go, ‘Oh my god, if God designed an outfielder, that’s it.’” —C. Trent Rosecrans, Athletics’ Reds Writer
Hamilton played the 2007 season with the Reds before moving on to the Rangers, where he reached the height of his career. He also spent two seasons with the Los Angeles Angels before returning to finish his MLB tenure with Texas in 2015.
Looking Ahead: The Challenges That Await Elly De La Cruz
Elly De La Cruz’s blend of power, speed, and defensive skill positions him as a unique talent in the league, but his trajectory will be shaped by factors beyond his control, including health, opportunity, and the ability to stay focused amid the pressures of professional baseball. Rosecrans’ reflections serve as a reminder that even the most gifted players face unpredictable challenges.
For fans and analysts alike, the hope remains that De La Cruz will avoid the setbacks experienced by great players before him, fulfilling the promise that his impressive skill set suggests and carving out a lasting legacy in MLB.