NEWS: Elly De La Cruz is putting together an MVP-caliber season so far

After flashes of brilliance in previous seasons, Elly De La Cruz is finally putting it all together in 2026—and the result looks like an MVP campaign in the making.

Through the first month, the Cincinnati Reds star has been electric, hitting .285 with 10 home runs, 25 RBIs, a .911 OPS and 8 stolen bases placing him among NL leaders in several offensive categories.

The Dominican-born shortstop’s blend of power and speed has made him one of the most dangerous players in baseball. Pitchers have struggled to find an answer, as his improved plate discipline has forced them into the zone, where his explosive bat takes over.

Beyond the numbers, his impact is felt every inning. Whether it’s a tape-measure homer or a stolen base that shifts momentum, De La Cruz, 23, is dictating games and helping keep the Reds in the pennant hunt in the early going. If this pace continues, 2026 may finally be the year he fulfills his immense potential.

Reunion, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; LatinoBaseball.com illustration