Terry Francona Sets Bold Goal for Elly De La Cruz: Development and Consistency as the Future of the Reds
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona has made it clear that he has high hopes for star shortstop Elly De La Cruz, the 21-year-old phenom who has already taken Major League Baseball by storm. While De La Cruz’s talent is undeniable, Francona recently revealed a significant goal he has for the young player: developing consistency in his game. It’s a goal that speaks volumes not only about De La Cruz’s potential but also about the team’s long-term vision for the shortstop position and the Reds’ future as a competitive force in the National League.
De La Cruz, who made his MLB debut in 2023, quickly established himself as one of the most exciting players in baseball, thanks to his incredible combination of speed, power, and athleticism. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 200 pounds, his raw physical talent is a rare package that has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greatest talents. His power-hitting abilities, coupled with his blazing speed on the base paths, make him a truly unique player with game-changing capabilities.
However, despite his prodigious talent, Francona, one of the most respected managers in the game, understands that raw ability alone isn’t enough to make a sustained impact in the major leagues. As De La Cruz continues to develop as a player, Francona’s priority is helping him channel his vast potential into consistent, reliable performances that will be a cornerstone for the Reds’ success in the coming years.
### The Challenge of Consistency
For many young players, consistency is the most difficult aspect of transitioning to the big leagues. In De La Cruz’s case, while his ceiling is sky-high, his performance has been marked by a mixture of brilliance and inconsistency. In 2023, De La Cruz showed flashes of brilliance, hitting for power, stealing bases, and making highlight-reel plays both at the plate and in the field. Yet, at times, he also struggled with the strike zone, swinging and missing on pitches that were often outside the zone, and his decision-making could be erratic.
Francona, with his wealth of experience managing star players such as Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, and Dustin Pedroia during his time with the Boston Red Sox, understands that achieving consistency at the major league level is a gradual process. Young players often experience streaks of success followed by slumps as they adjust to the relentless pace and competition of the big leagues. For De La Cruz, this means refining his approach at the plate, improving his pitch recognition, and honing his defensive game, particularly at shortstop, where the expectations for both offensive and defensive excellence are extremely high.
The Reds’ skipper has made it clear that his primary goal for De La Cruz is not to stifle his natural talents but to help him harness those gifts in a more controlled and sustainable manner. It’s about turning the flashes of brilliance into a more regular part of his game, one that will make him a reliable contributor day in and day out.
### Focus on Plate Discipline
One area where De La Cruz can make significant improvements is his plate discipline. While his power is undeniable—he hit several home runs in his debut season—he also demonstrated a tendency to swing at pitches outside the strike zone, which led to an increased strikeout rate. For a player with his physical tools, improving his pitch selection is critical for taking his game to the next level.
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