{"id":108574,"date":"2025-10-20T20:06:46","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T00:06:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=108574"},"modified":"2025-10-20T20:06:46","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T00:06:46","slug":"why-elly-de-la-cruz-must-stay-reds-shortstop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/10\/20\/why-elly-de-la-cruz-must-stay-reds-shortstop\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Elly De La Cruz Needs to Stay at Shortstop"},"content":{"rendered":"

Like many young stars, Elly De La Cruz<\/a> has faced criticism regarding his defense. The 23-year-old shortstop is the heartbeat of the Cincinnati Reds<\/a>. He just wrapped up his third big league season, where the Reds made the postseason for the first time since 2020, but were quickly bounced in the Wild Card round by the Los Angeles Dodgers.<\/span><\/p>\n

De La Cruz has been under a lot of criticism, which is not uncommon for a young up-and-coming superstar. However, some are taking it a step further, deeming him destined for the outfield, believing his defense at shortstop is detrimental to the team.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at all the reasons why De La Cruz should remain at shortstop, both in the interest of the team and his own future.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) throws for first to force out right fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) in the seventh inning of the MLB National League Wild Card Game 2 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. The Reds were eliminated from the postseason with an 8-4 loss to the reigning World Series Champion LA Dodgers. Credit: \u00a9 Sam Greene\/The Enquirer \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Making the Case to Keep Elly De La Cruz at Shortstop<\/h2>\n

De La Cruz\u2019s Rookie Season Defense<\/span><\/h3>\n

Debuting in 2023, De La Cruz split time between third base and shortstop, logging 32 games (29 starts) at the hot corner and 69 games (66 starts) at shortstop. He was worth -1 DRS (Defensive Runs Saved) at third base and -5 DRS at shortstop, making him a slightly below-average defender.<\/span><\/p>\n

OAA (Outs Above Average) graded him out better, giving him 4 OAA total in 2023, good for the 85th percentile league-wide.<\/span><\/p>\n

His electric arm (98th percentile), length, and speed allowed him to reach balls that other shortstops are usually unable to reach, as well as throw out baserunners that others aren\u2019t able to throw out. The issues were his hands, his footwork at times, and his inaccuracy, accruing one error at third base and a staggering 13 at shortstop.<\/span><\/p>\n

2024 Defensive Improvement<\/span><\/h3>\n

After a shaky rookie campaign on the defensive end, De La Cruz looked to take a leap in his sophomore season.<\/span><\/p>\n

He lived up to all of the hype, perhaps even surpassing it as he flashed the leather all year. Or did he? De La Cruz recorded 160 games at shortstop (159 starts), and recorded -2 DRS. This once again placed him as around a league-average defender. However, Outs Above Average rated him as one of the best defenders in the league as he had 14 OAA (98th percentile).<\/span><\/p>\n

While these metrics grade him out as a well-above-average defender, and at worst a league-average defender, he still faced plenty of criticism thanks to his errors once again. De La Cruz had a league-leading 29 errors, 16 fielding and 13 throwing. Despite the arm strength and range allowing him to make spectacular plays, he continued to make errors on routine plays. However you look at it, though, he was still an above-average defender. At 22 years old, it would be silly to assume he would never be able to improve on the routine plays as he ages and gets more reps.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Step Back in 2025<\/span><\/h3>\n

This brings us to the latest season. In 2025, De La Cruz made it a mission to lace up the cleats for all 162 games. While this was an impressive achievement, it likely hindered his durability, especially on defense. Throughout the season, especially in the dog days of July and August, it was apparent that De La Cruz didn\u2019t have as much lateral movement at times on the field. His legs would also give out at times, creating bad habits while fielding the ball, which resulted in some errors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was the first time in his career that OAA graded him out as below average, giving him -3 OAA (23rd percentile). DRS was once again not a fan of him, as he registered -5 DRS in the 1,382 innings at shortstop.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Errors continued to plague him as he followed up his 29-error 2024 campaign with 26, leading the league once again (11 fielding, 15 throwing).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Logical Reasons For De La Cruz To Stay At Shortstop<\/span><\/h3>\n

With many fans calling for De La Cruz to move off shortstop, here are some logical reasons that he should not. His height and length give him trouble at times with fielding the ball, but it also allows him to make plays up the middle that an ordinary shortstop cannot make. His arm is also one of the most valuable tools in all of baseball. It allows him to make throws on plays the runner usually beats out, and it is also a weapon on relay throws from the outfield to home plate.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Nothing to see here, just Elly De La Cruz throwing a baseball 97.9 MPH across the diamond. pic.twitter.com\/Dobrvcv7hy<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Baseball\u2019s Greatest Moments (@BBGreatMoments) October 17, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n