Elly De La Cruz is one of the brightest young stars in baseball, and at just 24 years old, he’s already made quite a name for himself. So it’s no surprise that the Reds would want to sign him to a long-term extension.
Last spring, Cincinnati offered the five-tool phenom an extension that would have been the largest contract in franchise history. De La Cruz declined the offer, opting instead to continue building his career as he reaches arbitration eligibility in 2027.
“We engaged in Spring Training of 2025 and presented an offer,” Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall told MLB.com on Friday. “The offer would have been the largest contract in Reds history. We didn’t have any further conversations regarding the offer.”
Currently, the largest contract in Reds history is Joey Votto’s 10-year, $225 million deal back in 2012.
In 2024, De La Cruz became the fifth player in MLB history to hit at least 20 home runs (25) and steal at least 60 bases (67) in a single season, as well as the youngest. At 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds, the two-time All-Star with a cannon for an arm has manned shortstop for Cincinnati since making his MLB debut in ’23.
Last year, De La Cruz took a step back both offensively -- particularly in the power department -- and defensively, but he was playing through a left quad injury during the second half of the season.
MLB.com senior national reporter Mark Feinsand contributed to this report.