What's Happening?
The Cincinnati Reds have announced their decision to keep Elly De La Cruz at the shortstop position, despite his leading the league in errors for the past two seasons. President of baseball operations Nick Krall confirmed this decision in a discussion
with MLB.com, stating there are no current plans to move De La Cruz from his position. De La Cruz has been a consistent presence on the field, playing in over 160 games each season, which has contributed to his high error count. Despite his fielding struggles, De La Cruz has shown impressive throwing speed and range, although his Outs Above Average metric has recently declined. The Reds have other potential shortstop options, including prospects and current roster players, but De La Cruz's offensive contributions, including over 20 home runs and 35 stolen bases per season, make him a valuable asset to the team.
Why It's Important?
The decision to keep De La Cruz at shortstop is significant for the Reds as it reflects their commitment to developing his defensive skills while capitalizing on his offensive prowess. This move could impact the team's overall defensive strategy and performance, as De La Cruz's errors have been a notable issue. However, his offensive capabilities, including a high number of home runs and stolen bases, are crucial for the team's success. The Reds' choice also highlights the balance teams must strike between defensive reliability and offensive production. This decision could influence how other teams manage similar situations with players who have strong offensive skills but defensive challenges.
What's Next?
The Reds will likely continue to monitor De La Cruz's performance closely, especially his defensive metrics, to determine if adjustments are needed in the future. The presence of other capable players on the roster provides flexibility should the need arise to make changes. Additionally, the development of shortstop prospect Edwin Arroyo could play a role in future decisions regarding De La Cruz's position. The team's management will need to weigh the benefits of De La Cruz's offensive contributions against the potential costs of his defensive errors as they plan for upcoming seasons.
