Elly De La Cruz Continues to Dazzle: Historic Feats and Fantasy Dominance in 2026
Elly De La Cruz remains one of baseball’s most electrifying talents, and his 2026 season is proving no different. The Cincinnati Reds shortstop has been making headlines with his rare combination of power and speed, even if he may never again approach the 67 stolen bases he recorded in a previous campaign. Despite that, De La Cruz remains a fantasy baseball stud, consistently delivering elite production across all categories. His latest exploits include a monstrous home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers that literally left the park, a feat that had fans and analysts buzzing. On September 9, he etched his name into Dodger Stadium history with that mammoth blast, further cementing his reputation as a must-watch player every time he steps to the plate.nnDe La Cruz’s impact goes beyond just hitting. On September 8, he ruined Teoscar Hernandez’s inside-the-park home run attempt with a dime throw, showcasing his incredible arm strength and defensive prowess. Such plays have become routine for the young star, who continues to impress with his all-around game. However, injury concerns have surfaced, as manager Terry Francona hinted at De La Cruz’s status for the Padres series in late August. The Reds are undoubtedly hoping their superstar avoids any serious issues as they push toward the postseason. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox reportedly struck out in their trade pursuit of De La Cruz, highlighting his immense value to Cincinnati.nnIn addition to his individual brilliance, De La Cruz has been part of history. On August 28, he and teammate Sal Stewart made baseball history in a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, reacting after scoring on a three-run home run by Tyler Stephenson. Stewart, a leading candidate for National League Rookie of the Year, remained at 110 RBIs, just one behind Major League leader Alec Burleson. Since RBIs became official in 1920, only Ted Williams (1939) and Walt Dropo (1950) have finished a season as rookies leading the majors in RBIs. De La Cruz’s presence in such moments underscores his ability to elevate those around him.nnAs the 2026 season winds down, De La Cruz’s name is firmly in the MVP