When Elly De La Cruz is on his game, he’s one of baseball’s most thrilling players. Now, Cincinnati Reds prospect Leo Balcazar hopes to follow in his footsteps.
The 21-year-old infielder has been a standout in the Arizona Fall League, leading the showcase with 26 hits past the midway point. Balcazar, who hails from Venezuela, first met De La Cruz in the Cactus League as a 17-year-old and has looked up to him ever since.
“I really loved it,” Balcazar told MLB.com’s Jesse Borek. “To see how he’s playing right now, one of the best players in the world—I want to be like him. I want to play with him in the Majors.”
Despite being ranked as the Reds’ No. 23 prospect, Balcazar is beginning to draw attention. His development has been marked by both progress and setbacks. After showing promise in the Dominican Summer League and Arizona Complex League, a knee injury limited him to just 18 games at Single-A Daytona in 2023, though he still managed an impressive .897 OPS.
Promoted to High-A Dayton in 2024, Balcazar initially struggled at the plate but made significant adjustments in his second stint there, improving his walk and strikeout rates. He later earned a promotion to Double-A Chattanooga, where his plate discipline continued to improve, even as his power numbers dipped.
Now Rule 5 Draft–eligible, Balcazar’s future depends on whether the Reds add him to their 40-man roster or risk losing him to another team.
While he doesn’t match De La Cruz’s explosive athleticism, Balcazar is developing into a steady contact hitter with solid plate discipline. His strong Fall League performance could boost his standing in the organization and move him one step closer to realizing his dream—playing alongside his idol in Cincinnati.
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