Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite MLB History with 20/60 Season

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz achieved a rare feat in Major League Baseball, becoming the fifth player to record 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season.

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz has made a name for himself as one of the most dynamic players in Major League Baseball. With his combination of power and speed, De La Cruz has emerged as a threat on both sides of the ball.

On Wednesday night, De La Cruz added his name to the history books by stealing his 60th base of the season, the most in baseball by far. Shohei Ohtani, with 38 stolen bases, is a distant second to De La Cruz's impressive tally.

Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite MLB History with 20/60 Season

By reaching 60 stolen bases, De La Cruz became only the fifth player in MLB history to join the exclusive 20/60 club. This prestigious group includes legends such as Joe Morgan, Rickey Henderson, Eric Davis, and Ronald Acuña Jr.

De La Cruz's journey to the 20/60 club has been remarkable. Entering Wednesday, he had already hit 21 home runs, a testament to his power at the plate. His stolen base on Wednesday solidified his status as one of the most electrifying players in the game.

Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite MLB History with 20/60 Season

De La Cruz's rise to stardom began last season, when he burst onto the scene with a blistering start. In his first 16 big league games, he hit .359 with a 1.063 OPS and eight stolen bases. However, his production dipped in the second half, as he hit just .210 with a .640 OPS in his final 82 games.

This season, De La Cruz has shown flashes of brilliance while also displaying some inconsistencies. Entering Wednesday, he was hitting .261 with an .828 OPS. While his strikeout rate remains high, leading the majors with 167, his ability to turn singles into doubles on the base paths makes up for it.

Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite MLB History with 20/60 Season

The Reds may be struggling to reach the postseason this year, but with Elly De La Cruz on their roster, they have a bright future. His unique combination of power and speed makes him a player to watch for years to come.

As the Reds continue to rebuild, De La Cruz's performance is a beacon of hope for the franchise. His inclusion in the 20/60 club is a testament to his exceptional talent and the promise he holds for the future of Cincinnati baseball.