BREAKING NEWS: Elly De La Cruz Breaks Silence After Inking 3-Year Contract with Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati, OH — The wait is over. After weeks of speculation and behind-the-scenes negotiations, Cincinnati Reds superstar Elly De La Cruz has officially signed a 3-year contract extension with the club — and for the first time, the electrifying shortstop is speaking out about his decision to stay in the Queen City.
The new deal, reportedly worth $72 million with performance incentives that could push it past $85 million, keeps one of Major League Baseball’s most dynamic players in Cincinnati through the 2027 season. But more important than the money, according to De La Cruz, is the mission.
“This city believed in me before the world knew my name,” De La Cruz said during an emotional press conference on Sunday afternoon. “Now it’s my turn to give back. I’m here to win. I’m here to build something. I’m here to stay.”
A Franchise Cornerstone
At just 23 years old, De La Cruz has become the face of the Reds and one of MLB’s brightest young stars. Known for his blazing speed, cannon arm, and explosive bat, he has captured national attention and helped rejuvenate a Reds franchise eager to return to postseason glory.
In the 2024 season, he hit .284 with 28 home runs, 91 RBIs, and 48 stolen bases — numbers that earned him an All-Star selection and Silver Slugger honors.
“Elly is more than just a highlight reel,” said Reds GM Nick Krall. “He’s a leader. He’s a competitor. He’s the kind of player you build championships around.”
The Decision to Stay
Rumors swirled all offseason about De La Cruz’s future. Several big-market teams — including the Yankees and Dodgers — were reportedly monitoring his contract status. But for De La Cruz, the decision to remain in Cincinnati came down to loyalty, culture, and unfinished business.
“I could’ve chased other things,” he said. “But why leave something special? We’re building a brotherhood here. We’ve got a young core, a hungry team, and a city that breathes baseball. That’s all I need.”
De La Cruz credited manager David Bell and teammates like Jonathan India, Matt McLain, and Hunter Greene for creating a clubhouse environment that feels like family.
“This isn’t just a contract — it’s a commitment,” Bell said. “Elly’s not only staying — he’s leading. He’s showing the league that you don’t need to go somewhere else to be great.”
Fans Rejoice
News of the extension lit up Reds Nation. Within minutes of the announcement, fans flooded social media with celebration posts using the hashtag #EllyEra. The Reds Team Store reportedly saw a 300% spike in sales of De La Cruz jerseys within the first hour of the news breaking.
Lifelong Reds fan Jordan Wyatt summed up the city’s sentiment in one viral tweet: “This is bigger than baseball. It’s hope. It’s belief. It’s our future staying right here.”
What’s Next?
With De La Cruz locked in, the Reds now turn their attention to chasing October. With one of the most exciting young rosters in baseball and a renewed sense of purpose, expectations are high heading into 2025.
For Elly, the focus is simple: work, win, and inspire.
“I want to be great — not just for myself, but for this city,” he said. “I want kids in Cincinnati wearing my jersey, believing in dreams. Because that’s what this place gave me — a chance to dream big.”
As flashbulbs popped and cheers erupted outside Great American Ball Park, one thing became crystal clear:
Elly De La Cruz isn’t just staying in Cincinnati — he’s building a legacy.
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