- **Q: Why did Elly De La Cruz turn down the contract extension?
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ARTICLE DETAIL
Elly De La Cruz Focuses on 2026 Season After Rejecting Contract Extension | Tarik Skubal's WBC Decision: Balancing Patriotism with Pitching Priorities | Braves' Joey Wentz Out for Season with ACL Tear | Can Juan Soto Upset Ohtani for the 2026 NL MVP? | Ceddanne Rafaela Gains Experience and Insights at the World Baseball Classic | Harry Ford's Home Run and Royal Guard Celebration at the World Baseball Classic | Braves Stars Shine in 2026 World Baseball Classic | Joseph Contreras: Following in His Father's Footsteps to the MLB Draft | Byron Buxton's Place in Twins History: Analyzing His Legacy and Future | Elly De La Cruz Focuses on 2026 Season After Rejecting Contract Extension | Tarik Skubal's WBC Decision: Balancing Patriotism with Pitching Priorities | Braves' Joey Wentz Out for Season with ACL Tear | Can Juan Soto Upset Ohtani for the 2026 NL MVP? | Ceddanne Rafaela Gains Experience and Insights at the World Baseball Classic | Harry Ford's Home Run and Royal Guard Celebration at the World Baseball Classic | Braves Stars Shine in 2026 World Baseball Classic | Joseph Contreras: Following in His Father's Footsteps to the MLB Draft | Byron Buxton's Place in Twins History: Analyzing His Legacy and Future
MLB / Cincinnati Reds
Elly De La Cruz Focuses on 2026 Season After Rejecting Contract Extension
Cincinnati Reds' shortstop Elly De La Cruz is gearing up for the 2026 season after declining a contract extension that would have been the largest in team history. Despite the rejected offer, De La Cruz remains focused on improving his game...
Key Insights
- **Contract Rejection:** Elly De La Cruz turned down a contract extension from the Reds that would have surpassed Joey Votto's record deal.
- **2025 Season Performance:** De La Cruz batted .264 with 22 home runs and 37 stolen bases in 2025, but his performance dipped in the second half due to a quad injury.
- **Preparation for 2026:** De La Cruz is focused on rehabilitating his quad injury and improving his overall conditioning for the upcoming season.
- **Strikeout Reduction:** He made strides in reducing his strikeouts from 218 in 2024 to 181 in 2025.
- **Team Commitment:** Despite declining the extension and missing the World Baseball Classic due to the injury, De La Cruz is committed to helping the Reds win.
In-Depth Analysis
Elly De La Cruz, a dynamic switch-hitting shortstop, is a key player for the Cincinnati Reds. In 2025, he showcased his potential with a strong first half, earning an All-Star selection. However, a left quad strain impacted his performance in the latter part of the season.
The Reds offered De La Cruz a contract extension exceeding Joey Votto's 10-year, $225 million deal, but he declined, opting to bet on himself. This decision aligns with his agent Scott Boras's strategy, common among players yet to reach arbitration eligibility.
Looking ahead to 2026, De La Cruz aims to elevate his game and maintain his health throughout the season. He acknowledges the need for better self-care and conditioning to avoid late-season slumps. Manager Terry Francona has also expressed a commitment to managing De La Cruz's workload to prevent fatigue and potential injuries.
Despite the contract situation, De La Cruz remains dedicated to the Reds and their pursuit of success. He is expected to play a crucial role in the team's offense and defense, and his continued development will be vital for Cincinnati's playoff aspirations.
FAQ
- **Q: How is Elly De La Cruz preparing for the 2026 season?
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- **Q: Will Elly De La Cruz play in the World Baseball Classic?
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Takeaways
- Elly De La Cruz is prioritizing his health and development for the 2026 season.
- Despite rejecting a record contract offer, he remains committed to the Cincinnati Reds.
- Fans can expect De La Cruz to play a key role in the Reds' efforts to contend for a playoff spot.
Discussion
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Sources
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