Terry Francona has set a high standard for Elly De La Cruz, challenging the young star to become the best player in baseball. With his rare combination of strength, speed and athleticism, De La Cruz is ready to step up to the plate.
Will the 23-year-old meet expectations and achieve his manager’s ambitious goals for the Cincinnati Reds?
Elly De La Cruz Looks to Live Up to Terry Francona’s Goal
Francona has made his aspirations for De La Cruz clear, saying he wants him to be “the best player in baseball on the best team in the league.”
The veteran manager praised De La Cruz’s athleticism and instincts, especially after an impressive double steal.
“I’ve never seen that … I mean, that’s as athletic and instinctual as you’re ever gonna see.”
Francona also shared his direct message to De La Cruz.
“I told him again yesterday, ‘I want you to be the best player in baseball on the best team in baseball. That’s my goal.’”
Francona has announced that De La Cruz will hit third in the lineup, a sign of his trust in the young player’s ability.
De La Cruz expressed his gratitude in an interview:
“I’m so grateful that somebody with so many years in the game believes in me like that and wants me to be the best player on the best team.”
“So now we’ve got to go and make it happen,” he added.
De La Cruz’s Power and Speed Make Him a Star
De La Cruz has impressed fans and analysts alike with his unique combination of power and speed. In the 2024 season, he led the majors with 67 stolen bases while hitting 25 home runs, earning an All-Star selection. At 6’5″, his athleticism shines, and he has shown his versatility by making key starts at both shortstop and third base.
During a split-squad matchup against the Cleveland Guardians on Feb. 23, 2025, he had a stellar performance, going 2-for-2 with two solo home runs.
His defensive skills were on full display on March 18, 2025, when he made a backhanded stop after a deflection and fired a strong throw to first base to end the sixth inning.
“He’s so ultra-aggressive, and at times, he’s been able to outrun some of his mistakes. And again, this doesn’t just go for him. It’s everybody. We want to be extremely aggressive. We also want to be intelligent. If we can marry the two, we’re gonna be OK,” Francona said on MLB Network.
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Francona’s Return to the Dugout
Francona signed a three-year deal with an option for the Reds to extend it through 2028. He retired as Guardians manager in 2023 due to health reasons.
Read Also: Elly De La Cruz Drops 4-Word Answer on His 2025 Home Run Derby Plans
Francona has a rich history as a manager, having led the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox and Guardians. In 23 seasons, he has posted a 1,950-1,672 record and won two World Series titles with the Red Sox in 2004 and 2007.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
