Elly De La Cruz’s World Baseball Classic Aspirations
Cincinnati’s rising star, Elly De La Cruz, is eager to don the colors of the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC). However, as he recently revealed at Redsfest, that dream will have to wait until at least 2026. The Cincinnati Reds have opted not to grant the talented shortstop permission to participate this time around.
The Team’s Decision
During his appearance at Redsfest, De La Cruz expressed his disappointment, citing that the team’s management made the decision due to his recent quad injury. He stated, “It was the team’s choice. I was dealing with the quad, and they didn’t want me to play.” Despite his eagerness to represent his country, De La Cruz understands the necessity of prioritizing his health and the team’s interests. He remains optimistic about future opportunities to compete on the international stage.
A Season of Ups and Downs
De La Cruz’s 2025 season was a tale of two halves. In the first half, he showcased his immense potential, boasting impressive statistics with a batting average of .284 and 18 home runs, alongside 25 stolen bases. However, his second-half performance suffered significantly due to the quad injury, which left him with a batting average of just .236 and only four home runs. This decline was particularly noticeable as he went through a 30-game stretch without hitting a home run, a stark contrast to his earlier form.
As he celebrated his 24th birthday, De La Cruz reassured fans that his quad has healed during the offseason. Reds manager Terry Francona acknowledged the need for a more strategic approach to managing De La Cruz’s workload, admitting that he could have done better in keeping the player fresh throughout the demanding season. Francona noted that De La Cruz’s energy is a rare quality, making him a valuable asset to the team, but also recognized that he often bears the brunt of the physical demands of the game.
Learning from Challenges
Despite the struggles he faced last season, De La Cruz has refused to lean on his injury as an excuse for his performance. He emphasized the importance of personal accountability in his development as a player. Reflecting on his experiences, he stated, “What I learned is that I have to take care of myself before the game, after the game, in the field, outside of the field — everywhere. I take responsibility for myself.” This mindset reveals a maturity that may serve him well in the seasons to come.
Reds Closer’s WBC Participation
In another note related to the WBC, Reds closer Emilio Pagán, who previously represented Puerto Rico in 2017 and 2023, also announced he would not be participating in this year’s tournament. Pagán, who excelled in the 2025 season with 32 saves, recently signed a lucrative two-year deal with the Reds, further solidifying his commitment to the franchise.
As De La Cruz looks towards the future, both he and Pagán are emblematic of the difficult choices players face between national representation and team obligations. For De La Cruz, the dream of representing the Dominican Republic remains alive, and with a renewed focus on his health, fans eagerly await his return to form on the field.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research