yahoo
Trade rumors surrounding Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz appear to lack substance, according to executives from around Major League Baseball. At this week's General Managers meetings in Las Vegas, officials from at least six clubs spanning both leagues and various market sizes indicated they have not heard any indication from the Reds or other sources that De La Cruz is available. One executive went so far as to say he would be shocked if Cincinnati traded the talented young shortstop, especially considering De La Cruz has three years of club control remaining.
Reds president Nick Krall addressed the speculation directly, saying the team has not engaged in any trade discussions involving De La Cruz this offseason. "We haven't had any conversations regarding him this offseason," Krall said. He acknowledged that recent media speculation may stem from failed extension talks in prior years and the team's last-place finish in a division that ultimately produced this year's World Series champion.
While Krall stopped short of issuing an absolute denial, he made his stance clear. "I'm never going to say never," he said. However, the Reds' focus this winter is on upgrading a roster with flaws in order to contend for a playoff spot behind young cornerstone players like De La Cruz, newly named Rookie of the Year Sal Stewart, and emerging ace Chase Burns.
Key Analysis
Cincinnati's offseason priorities include adding starting pitching, bullpen help, and significant lineup improvements on both offense and defense. The rotation faces uncertainty after All-Star Hunter Greene underwent Tommy John surgery and durable starter Brady Singer departed via free agency. However, Burns signed a seven-year, $105 million extension in July following a 15-win, 2.65-ERA season, and manager Terry Francona remains under contract with a guaranteed year plus an option. Even with De La Cruz due for an arbitration raise that could push his salary toward $10 million, the Reds still view 2027 as part of their competitive window.
De La Cruz, who posted a 30-30 season with career highs in batting average (.283), home runs (30), slugging percentage (.515), on-base percentage (.365), and bWAR (5.5) despite missing a month with a hamstring injury, is expected to earn his highest MVP finish when voting is announced later this week; he finished eighth in 2024. "We've got three years of control left on him, and he's a really good player on our club," Krall said. "As of right now, if there's something out there and somebody wants to come to us and talk about it — But he's a great player, and I love having him on our team."
Originally reported by yahoo.