Elly De La Cruz has done it again. The Cincinnati Reds’ electrifying shortstop has delivered another jaw-dropping performance that has shaken the MLB to its core. In a moment now echoing across the baseball world, De La Cruz accomplished a feat never before seen in Major League history — and Reds manager Terry Francona was left completely stunned.
In Tuesday night’s game against the Houston Astros, De La Cruz launched a towering home run, stole two bases, and drove in four RBIs in a single inning, but it was what the numbers revealed afterward that truly shook the league. With his latest performance, De La Cruz became the first player in MLB history to record at least 115 extra-base hits and 115 stolen bases in his first 300 games — a record unmatched since 1900.
A Historic Combination of Power and Speed
The 23-year-old phenom continues to defy expectations. Already known for his blazing speed and explosive bat, De La Cruz is now building a case as one of the most complete and dynamic players the game has ever seen.
Statisticians and analysts scrambled to verify the numbers following the Reds’ 8-3 win, and within hours, MLB’s official data confirmed the unprecedented achievement. The combination of elite slugging and base-stealing in such a short timeframe stunned baseball historians and current players alike.
Terry Francona Reacts: “I’ve Never Seen Anything Like It”
Reds manager Terry Francona, a veteran with decades in the game and two World Series rings, didn’t hold back his astonishment.
“You always expect to see something new in this game, but I’ve never seen anything like Elly,” Francona told reporters postgame. “The things this kid does… I mean, we talk about five-tool players — he’s rewriting what those tools even look like.”
Francona has been vocal in his belief in De La Cruz since taking over as manager of the Reds in late 2024. He even traveled to the Dominican Republic during the offseason to connect with De La Cruz and emphasize his vision of building a championship team around him.
“I told him when I met him: ‘I want you to be the best player in baseball on the best team in baseball.’ Nights like this prove that’s not a dream — that’s a real possibility,” Francona added.
MLB World Reacts to “Elly’s Era”
Within minutes of the announcement, social media exploded with reactions from fans, analysts, and fellow players. MLB’s official account posted:
“ELLY DE LA CRUZ IS A ONE-OF-ONE. We’re witnessing history.”
Several retired legends also weighed in, with Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. tweeting, “He’s the kind of player you pay to see. He’s changing the game.”
ESPN’s Jeff Passan called it:
“A generational talent. The MLB world hasn’t seen anything quite like Elly De La Cruz — and we’re just getting started.”
The Face of Baseball?
In 2025 alone, De La Cruz has already been featured on the cover of MLB The Show 25, signed a major endorsement deal with Jordan Brand, and been highlighted in national commercials. But his on-field dominance now matches — or exceeds — the hype.
This latest milestone may finally push De La Cruz into the MVP conversation, where he is already one of the frontrunners. With the Reds firmly in contention in the NL Central, his leadership and star power are proving vital.
What’s Next?
The question now: how much further can Elly go?
If history is any indication, the answer is limitless. His blend of athleticism, charisma, and determination make him not only the heart of the Reds but a beacon for the future of Major League Baseball.
For now, Reds fans — and baseball fans around the world — are simply enjoying the ride. And as Terry Francona said best,