Elie De La Cruz’s value is expected to keep climbing, yet the Reds haven’t managed to secure a long-term deal with the promising young shortstop.
Before the 2025 season kicks off, De La Cruz turned down an offer that would have set a record, surpassing Joey Votto as the highest-paid player in the team’s history.
At just 24, De La Cruz has already made the All-Star team in two of his first three seasons. Last year, he recorded 22 home runs, stole 37 bases, and achieved a career-high of 86 RBIs.
Team president Nick Krall mentioned, “We made Elie an offer that would make him the highest-paid player in Reds history. But it’s his decision, and it’s important to respect that. Ultimately, it’s about their careers. We have to keep pushing forward and focus on the present.”
Votto, an All-Star six times in his 17 seasons, once signed a 10-year, $225 million contract in 2012.
De La Cruz, who is represented by Scott Boras, still has four seasons under team control and won’t hit free agency until after the 2029 season.
“I’m letting my agent handle everything,” De La Cruz remarked during the team’s Fan Fest.
In 2024, Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. managed to secure an 11-year, $288 million extension to stay in Kansas City, a small-market team.
Young talents like Ronald Acuña from Atlanta and Corbin Carroll from Arizona have also signed lucrative extensions recently, effectively sidestepping arbitration and delaying free agency.
Juan Soto is another example, having declined numerous contract extension offers early in his career before eventually being traded and signing a record $765 million deal with the Mets.
On a different note, the Reds recently inked pitcher Hunter Greene to a six-year extension worth $53 million, which includes a $21 million team option for 2029.
Krall reiterated, “There are several impactful players in our organization who could become game-changers. Hunter’s signing was a significant step for us, and we’re optimistic about future collaborations.”
