History of Elly De La Cruz in Timeline

Elly De La Cruz is a professional baseball shortstop from the Dominican Republic, currently playing for the Cincinnati Reds in MLB. He signed with the Reds in 2018 as an international free agent and quickly ascended to the major leagues, making his debut in 2023. Known for his dynamic play and impressive skill set, De La Cruz has already garnered recognition as one of baseball's rising stars, including selections for the 2024 and 2025 MLB All-Star Game.

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Full Timeline Success & Recognition

1900: Fifth AL/NL Player to reach milestone

On August 21, 2024, De La Cruz became the fifth AL/NL player since 1900 and the first shortstop ever in Major League history to hit at least 20 home runs and steal 60 bases in a season.

1900: Extra Base Hits and Stolen Bases Milestone

On May 11, 2025, De La Cruz became the first player in Major League history with 115 extra base hits and 115 stolen bases through his first 300 games since 1900.

1919: Greasy Neale Steals Second, Third, and Home

On July 8, Elly De La Cruz became the first Reds player since Greasy Neale in 1919 to steal second, third, and home in the same inning.

1920: Reaches Career Milestones

On May 23, 2025, against the Chicago Cubs, Elly De La Cruz reached 300 hits, 150 RBI, and 100 stolen bases for his career in fewer games than any other player since RBI became an official statistic in 1920, accomplishing this in 310 games.

1972: Youngest Player to Hit for the Cycle

On June 23, 2023, Elly De La Cruz became the youngest player to hit for the cycle since César Cedeño in 1972.

1984: Four Straight Home Run Games

Between June 11–June 15, 2025, De La Cruz hit a home run in four straight games for the first time in his career, joining Eric Davis (1984), Johnny Bench ('70), and Frank Robinson ('59) as the only Reds aged 23 or younger to homer in four consecutive games.

1989: Eric Davis Hits for the Cycle

On June 23, 2023, Elly De La Cruz hit for the cycle, becoming the first Reds player to do so since Eric Davis in 1989.

January 11, 2002: Elly De La Cruz Born

On January 11, 2002, Elly De La Cruz was born. He is a Dominican professional baseball shortstop.

Others born on this day/year

2012: Ichiro Suzuki's performance

On May 16, 2024, Elly De La Cruz became the first MLB player since Ichiro Suzuki in 2012 to record four hits and four stolen bases in a single game.

2013: George Springer's season

In 2022, Elly De La Cruz was the first minor league player since George Springer in 2013 to bat .300 with at least 25 home runs and 40 stolen bases.

2015: Breaks Stolen Base Record

On July 8, 2024, De La Cruz stole his 44th and 45th stolen bases against the Colorado Rockies, setting a new record for most stolen bases by a Reds player prior to the All-Star break, previously held by Billy Hamilton in 2015.

July 2, 2018: Signed with Cincinnati Reds

On July 2, 2018, Elly De La Cruz signed with the Cincinnati Reds as an international free agent and received a $65,000 signing bonus.

2018: Signed with the Cincinnati Reds

In 2018, Elly De La Cruz signed with the Cincinnati Reds as an international free agent.

2019: Professional Debut

In 2019, at 17 years old, Elly De La Cruz made his professional debut with the Dominican Summer League Reds, primarily playing shortstop.

2020: Minor League Season Cancellation

In 2020, Elly De La Cruz did not play due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Plays for Rookie-Level and Single-A Teams

In 2021, Elly De La Cruz played for the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Reds and Single-A Daytona Tortugas. He was named the best player in the Arizona Complex League, the fourth-best player in the Low-A Southeast League, and was recognized for his athleticism and baserunning within the Reds' organization.

November 15, 2022: Added to 40-Man Roster

On November 15, 2022, the Reds added Elly De La Cruz to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

June 6, 2023: Promoted to Major Leagues

On June 6, 2023, Elly De La Cruz was promoted to the major leagues for the first time following an injury to Nick Senzel.

2023: Sophomore Campaign Improvements

During his 2023 sophomore campaign, De La Cruz nearly doubled his amount of home runs and stolen bases, increasing his batting average, OBP, SLG, and OPS.

2023: MLB Debut

In 2023, Elly De La Cruz made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut for the Cincinnati Reds.

2023: Optioned to Triple-A Louisville Bats

In 2023, Elly De La Cruz was optioned to the Triple-A Louisville Bats to begin the season.

2023: Fastest Players in MLB

In 2023, Statcast tracked Elly De La Cruz and Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals as the fastest players in Major League Baseball in terms of sprint speed.

May 16, 2024: Four Hits and Four Stolen Bases

On May 16, 2024, Elly De La Cruz became the first MLB player since Ichiro Suzuki in 2012 to record four hits and four stolen bases in a single game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

July 7, 2024: Named All-Star Reserve

On July 7, 2024, Elly De La Cruz was named as a reserve player in the 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

August 21, 2024: 20 Home Runs and 60 Stolen Bases

On August 21, 2024, Elly De La Cruz became the fifth AL/NL player since 1900 and the first shortstop ever in Major League history to hit at least 20 home runs and steal 60 bases in a season when he stole his 60th base of the season against the Toronto Blue Jays.

2024: MLB All-Star Game Selection

In 2024, Elly De La Cruz was selected for the MLB All-Star Game.

January 28, 2025: Cover Athlete for MLB The Show 25

On January 28, 2025, Elly De La Cruz was announced as a cover athlete for MLB The Show 25, becoming the first Reds player to be featured on the cover of an MLB: The Show title.