Reds Star Poised to Stay, but Extension Talks Remain Quiet
CINCINNATI — As the Cincinnati Reds continue their late-season playoff push, all eyes aren’t just on the standings, but also on the future of one of baseball’s brightest young stars, Elly De La Cruz.
The 23-year-old phenom has electrified Major League Baseball with his speed, power, and flair for the dramatic. Reds fans, however, have one lingering question: How long will he call Cincinnati home?
For now, the answer is reassuring. Under MLB’s team control rules, De La Cruz is locked in with the Reds through the 2029 season. That gives Cincinnati at least four more years of guaranteed time with their franchise cornerstone.
Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall recently admitted the team has discussed a possible long-term extension, but noted that there are no active negotiations at this time. “He’s a special player, and we’d love to have him here long term,” Krall said. “But right now, the focus is on winning games.”
De La Cruz himself appears unfazed by the chatter. “I don’t think about the future,” he said earlier this season. “I live in today, day by day.”
Still, the possibility of him qualifying as a Super Two player could accelerate his rise through the arbitration system, putting pressure on the Reds to consider locking him up sooner rather than later. Around the league, many expect the Reds to eventually offer a mega-extension, similar to deals given to other young superstars in recent years.
For the Cincinnati faithful, the message is clear: Elly De La Cruz isn’t going anywhere—at least not anytime soon. The question is whether the Reds will seize the moment and secure their generational talent for the long haul
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