September 5, 2025 — Legendary manager Terry Francona has weighed in on the Cincinnati Reds’ young stars Elly De La Cruz and Noelvi Marte, offering strong words about their current standing and long-term potential.
Francona, who has long been regarded as one of baseball’s most respected voices, praised both players for their talent but emphasized the importance of patience and development.
“Elly and Noelvi are special. You don’t come across that kind of athleticism and raw ability every day,” Francona said. “But with young players, it’s not just about what they can do right now — it’s about making sure they grow into consistent, everyday big leaguers who can handle the grind.”
De La Cruz has dazzled with his speed and power, but like many young hitters, has faced stretches of inconsistency at the plate. Marte, meanwhile, has shown flashes of his potential as a reliable infielder but continues to refine his defensive work and approach at the plate.
Francona insisted that the Reds must strike a balance between letting the duo learn through experience and providing them with the right guidance.
“Fans want everything immediately — the home runs, the highlight plays — and that’s great. But the real challenge is helping these guys learn how to win every day,” Francona explained. “If Cincinnati is patient and builds the right culture, those two can be cornerstones for a long time.”
The Reds, currently working through a transition phase, see De La Cruz and Marte as central pieces of their future. Francona’s comments highlight not only the excitement surrounding the pair but also the responsibility the organization has in shaping their careers.
For now, Reds fans can expect plenty of thrilling moments from their young stars — but as Francona reminded, the journey to stardom is just beginning.
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