In a significant move for the Cincinnati Reds, Shortstop Elly De La Cruz has officially agreed to a three-year, $113 million maximum contract extension…
Elly De La Cruz Signs 3-Year, $113 Million Max Extension with Cincinnati Reds: A Franchise-Defining Deal
In a monumental step toward securing their future, the Cincinnati Reds have officially signed star shortstop Elly De La Cruz to a three-year, $113 million contract extension
, marking one of the most significant financial commitments in franchise history. The deal confirms the Reds’ belief in De La Cruz not only as a key on-field contributor but as the future face of the organization.
At just 23 years old, De La Cruz has already captivated the baseball world with his rare combination of speed, power, and defensive brilliance. Since debuting in 2023, he’s electrified fans with highlight-reel plays, daring baserunning, and a magnetic personality that has breathed new life into the Reds’ clubhouse. This new extension ensures that the Reds will continue to build around one of the most dynamic young players in Major League Baseball.
The $113 million deal, spread over three years, averages out to just over $37 million per season, placing De La Cruz among the highest-paid players in the game on a per-year basis. While the contract is short in length, its structure indicates the Reds’ commitment to rewarding elite performance while also retaining flexibility for future roster moves. For De La Cruz, the deal offers life-changing security and the opportunity to continue growing his star power in a city that has embraced him wholeheartedly.
This extension is also symbolic. The Reds, a small-market team that has historically hesitated to hand out mega contracts, are making a bold statement: they are ready to compete — and they are ready to do so with De La Cruz leading the charge. The deal reflects a philosophical shift in Cincinnati’s front office, prioritizing retaining homegrown talent rather than losing it to larger markets in free agency.
From a performance standpoint, De La Cruz has justified every dollar. In the 2025 season so far, he is among the National League leaders in runs scored, stolen bases, and slugging percentage. His defense at shortstop has saved countless runs, and his ability to change the course of a game with a single swing or sprint has become a staple of Reds highlights.
Beyond the numbers, De La Cruz has emerged as a leader. He’s played through adversity — most recently hitting a milestone 50th home run just days after the tragic passing of his sister, a moment that showcased not just his talent but his emotional resilience and heart.
The impact of this signing will likely ripple far beyond the field. For Reds fans, this is a signal of hope and ambition. For the rest of the league, it’s a warning: Cincinnati is no longer a rebuilding team — they are a franchise with a plan, and Elly De La Cruz is at the center of it.
As the Reds push forward in their bid for postseason relevance, locking in their superstar shortstop could be the move that defines the next era of baseball in Cincinnati. Elly De La Cruz is no longer just a rising star — he’s the cornerstone of a franchise that’s ready to rise with him.
