CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Reds fans woke up to a wave of excitement after a former franchise legend weighed in on the meteoric rise of Elly De La Cruz. The 23-year-old shortstop has taken Major League Baseball by storm with his rare combination of speed, power, and athleticism—drawing comparisons to some of the greatest players in Reds history.
In a candid interview, former Reds star Eric Davis offered high praise for the young sensation, stating that De La Cruz reminds him of his own playing style. “When I watch Elly, I see the same electricity we brought to the game in the ’80s. He can run, he can hit, he can throw, and he plays fearless baseball. That’s what makes him special,” Davis said.
De La Cruz, now a two-time All-Star and the reigning stolen base leader, has consistently wowed fans with highlight-reel plays—from towering home runs to lightning-fast steals. For Davis, these moments echo the type of game-changing impact he once delivered at Riverfront Stadium. “The Reds have always been about excitement and firepower, and Elly is carrying that tradition forward,” Davis added.
Fans across Cincinnati have embraced the comparison, with many believing De La Cruz could eventually join the ranks of Reds icons like Johnny Bench, Barry Larkin, and Davis himself. While it is still early in his career, De La Cruz has already etched his name in the record books with feats like hitting for the cycle and recording one of the fastest infield throws in Statcast history.
As the Reds continue their push to return to postseason contention, Davis’s strong words underscore the belief that Elly De La Cruz is not just a rising star—but a potential generational talent destined to leave a lasting legacy in Cincinnati.
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