Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona has set an ambitious vision for Elly De La Cruz, stating, “I want you to be the best player in baseball on the best team in baseball.” This declaration came with a smile from the talented 23-year-old infielder, who is already making waves in Major League Baseball.
Francona, who recently took the helm of the Reds, expressed his high hopes for De La Cruz, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talent. “I told him again yesterday, that’s my goal,” he reiterated, highlighting his commitment to developing the young star.
De La Cruz stands tall at 6-foot-5 and possesses remarkable speed, making him a standout player. He showcases a powerful bat from both sides of the plate, excels in stealing bases, and boasts a strong arm at shortstop. His impressive performance included 29 starts at third base during his rookie season in 2023.
Francona shared insights into the growth of young players, stating, “As they accumulate at-bats, you see them grow.” He explained that while the game may slow down for talented players, it doesn’t mean they will play at a slower pace. Instead, it allows them to make better decisions on the field. He acknowledged that with rapid promotions to the Major Leagues, patience is essential as players adapt to new challenges.
“Sometimes, when you’re that ultra-talented, you can outrun maybe some of your mistakes in the Minor Leagues that you cannot necessarily do here,” Francona noted, emphasizing the learning curve that comes with playing at the highest level.
After stepping down from his role with the Cleveland Guardians in October 2023, Francona returned to coaching as the manager of the Reds, following the dismissal of David Bell after six seasons. His extensive experience includes leading the Guardians to a 921-757 record and securing four American League Central titles during his tenure.
Francona now inherits a promising Reds roster, featuring a young core that includes De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Noelvi Marte, and Tyler Stephenson. The Reds, coming off a 77-85 season, are eager to turn the page and make a push for the playoffs after missing out for the fourth consecutive year.
FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience 
