Elly De La Cruz: A Potential MVP in the Making?
The Boston Red Sox are facing a rising star as they continue their series against the Cincinnati Reds. All eyes are on Elly De La Cruz, the dynamic shortstop who is quickly becoming a fan favorite and, according to some analysts, a legitimate National League MVP candidate.
Early Impressions & Performance
While De La Cruz has shown flashes of brilliance – going 2-for-8 with two walks and a home run in the first two games against the Red Sox – he’s also struck out six times. However, these early numbers don’t tell the whole story. Analysts are focusing on his overall potential and the impact he can have on the game.
The Ohtani Challenge
Shohei Ohtani has dominated the MVP conversation in recent years, winning back-to-back National League MVP awards after joining the Los Angeles Dodgers. He remains the clear favorite to win the award again. However, MLB Network host Brian Kenny believes De La Cruz possesses the unique skillset to challenge Ohtani’s reign.
“If there’s somebody that can combine everything with the speed… a guy who can have an eight-win season that might challenge Ohtani, I think it’s Elly De La Cruz,” Kenny stated. “Look, he’s got to bolster his numbers. But with his baserunning runs and his defense at shortstop, I think he has a really good case.”
Past Performance & Areas for Improvement
Kenny made a similar prediction last season, but De La Cruz’s performance dipped after an impressive start. He finished the season with a .264/.336/.440 slash line, 22 home runs, and 4.3 fWAR. He also played through a partially torn left quad, which impacted his performance in the second half of the season, bringing his OPS down to .666 after the All-Star break.
A Healthy De La Cruz: Unleashing the Potential
A fully healthy De La Cruz could truly unlock his superstar potential in his fourth MLB season. In 2024, he showcased his incredible athleticism, stealing 67 bases and recording 14 outs above average at shortstop. This combination of speed, power, and defensive prowess is what makes him such an exciting player to watch.
MVP Odds & Future Outlook
Currently, Ohtani is a heavy favorite to win NL MVP on DraftKings Sportsbook (-140). De La Cruz is further down the list, tied with Francisco Lindor at +2500, behind Juan Soto (+700), Ronald Acuna Jr. (+1000), and Fernando Tatis Jr. (+2000). However, his potential for growth and impact on the game makes him a player to watch closely.
As the Red Sox and Reds continue their series, Connelly Early and the Boston pitching staff will be focused on containing De La Cruz. The game is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. ET on Sunday.
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