Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz has made headlines by joining the elite club of players with at least 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season. On Wednesday night, he stole his major league-leading 60th base, solidifying his place as the fifth player to achieve this feat since 1901.
In a pivotal moment during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays, De La Cruz successfully stole third base and later scored the tying run, showcasing his speed and agility on the field.
Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr. joined this exclusive group last season, hitting 41 home runs and stealing 73 bases, becoming the fourth player to do so. His achievement marked the first time since Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson accomplished it in 1990, a record Henderson also set in 1985 and 1986.
De La Cruz is now the third player from the Reds to reach this milestone. Former Cincinnati star Eric Davis achieved 27 home runs and 80 stolen bases in 1986, illustrating the franchise’s history of exceptional talent.
Reds legend and Hall of Famer Joe Morgan was the first player in major league history to have a 20-homer, 60-stolen base season in 1973, hitting 26 home runs and stealing 67 bases. Morgan repeated this remarkable performance in 1976, hitting 27 home runs and stealing 60 bases, further cementing his legacy.
