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Recent speculation suggests that the Cincinnati Reds could consider trading their star shortstop, Elly De La Cruz, during the upcoming offseason, as reported by the New York Post. The Los Angeles Dodgers, perennially in pursuit of elite talent, have been identified as a potential suitor, and analyst Jim Bowden believes such a move would benefit both franchises.
De La Cruz, however, has already made headlines for his off-field behavior. The 24-year-old sparked attention by sharing social media clips that celebrated Steph Curry's crossover on Luka Doncic, a moment that delighted Warriors fans but irked Lakers supporters. This allegiance to Curry and the Warriors could create an awkward dynamic if De La Cruz were to join the Dodgers, who share a city with the Lakers.
On the field, De La Cruz enjoyed a stellar 2026 campaign, posting a .283 batting average with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases. His rare combination of power and speed makes him one of baseball's most electrifying players, and at just 24, he has already established himself as a franchise cornerstone. The Dodgers, who have a history of big spending, may view him as the next superstar to lead their lineup.
Trade Logic and Team Needs
Bowden, speaking on the "D-Mac and Reiter Show," articulated why the trade makes sense for both sides. "This kind of trade makes sense for the Reds and the Dodgers," he said. "The Dodgers need to be thinking about their next superstar player." The Reds, meanwhile, could capitalize on De La Cruz's high value to acquire a haul of prospects or address other needs, especially with infield depth in their system. The Washington Nationals were also mentioned by Bowden as a team that could benefit from similar moves, highlighting the widespread interest in young stars like De La Cruz.
The Lakers Rivalry Complication
For Dodgers fans, the potential acquisition comes with a caveat: De La Cruz's fandom of the Warriors and Curry is well-documented. He has repeatedly expressed admiration for Curry, even comparing his own playing style to the NBA star in an August 2024 interview. His Instagram Story celebration of Curry's move on Doncic, which occurred during a game in San Francisco on October 30, 2026, further underscored his allegiance. Doncic, who struggled in that game and called it "the worst game of my life," was the subject of De La Cruz's posts, which some Lakers fans might find disrespectful.
If De La Cruz joins the Dodgers, he would be playing in the same city as the Lakers, and his support for the Warriors could become a recurring storyline. Lakers fans, known for their passionate following, might not take kindly to a Dodger who openly roots against their team. This adds an unusual twist to an otherwise straightforward baseball transaction.
Player History and Performance
De La Cruz's on-field achievements speak for themselves. His 30-30 season in 2026 demonstrated his ability to change games with a single swing or a stolen base. His speed allows him to score from anywhere on the field, and his raw power makes him a constant threat at the plate. The Dodgers, always seeking to upgrade their roster, would undoubtedly value his skill set. However, his outspoken basketball fandom introduces a unique challenge: balancing his athletic contributions with the potential fan backlash in Los Angeles.
The Reds have developed De La Cruz into a star, but if they decide to trade him, they could secure a significant return to bolster their team. The Dodgers, on the other hand, must weigh the benefits of adding a generational talent against the risk of alienating a portion of their fan base. As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on whether this trade materializes and how De La Cruz's dual passions for baseball and basketball shape his career.
Originally reported by yahoo.