What's Happening?
The Cincinnati Reds have announced their decision to retain Elly De La Cruz as their shortstop, despite his leading the league in errors for the past two seasons. De La Cruz, known for his strong arm and range, has struggled with fielding consistency,
posting the third-worst fielding percentage among qualified players in 2025. The Reds' President of Baseball Operations, Nick Krall, confirmed there are no immediate plans to move De La Cruz to another position, even with shortstop prospect Edwin Arroyo nearing major league readiness.
Why It's Important?
De La Cruz's performance at shortstop is pivotal for the Reds' defensive strategy. His errors have been a concern, but his offensive contributions, including over 20 home runs and 100+ runs scored in consecutive seasons, make him a valuable asset. The decision to keep him at shortstop suggests the Reds prioritize his offensive impact and potential for improvement in fielding. This move also affects the team's future roster decisions, particularly regarding the integration of prospects like Arroyo.
What's Next?
The Reds will continue to evaluate De La Cruz's performance at shortstop, balancing his defensive challenges with his offensive strengths. The team may explore alternative defensive alignments if his fielding does not improve. Additionally, the development of prospects like Arroyo will be closely watched, as they could influence future decisions about De La Cruz's position. The Reds' management will need to ensure that their infield strategy supports both current performance and long-term team development.
