Joey Votto Compares Elly De La Cruz To MLB Legend
The Cincinnati Reds might be the most fun team to watch right now in MLB. They have shocked most of the baseball world, going 41-35 to start the year, and are sitting in first place in the NL Central. The Reds have won an incredible 12 in a row and 15 of their last 17. Fans are filling Great American Ball Park, and a major reason for both of these things is Elly De La Cruz, one of the top prospects in baseball. He also might be the most electric player in the sport right now, hitting for the cycle Friday night. The place went nuts.
Elly De La Cruz hits for the cycle in just his 15th career game – the 3rd-fewest since 1900.
— MLB (@MLB) June 24, 2023
(MLB X @@BudweiserUSA) pic.twitter.com/iudIauLEog
His stellar performance to start the year has not gone unnoticed, especially in the Reds’ clubhouse. Veteran Joey Votto spoke to the media Friday and gave De La Cruz some very high praise, comparing his game to MLB Legend Mickey Mantle.
“Has there been a better switch-hitting, speed, power guy? The only comp I can think of is Mickey Mantle – a young Mickey Mantle,” Votto said, according to MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon. “That’s unfair to put on Elly, (comparing him to) maybe one of the greatest players of all time. Elly has got plenty of time to entertain the fans.”
Full quote via thescore.com
Elly De La Cruz is taking baseball by storm. His breakout performance is great for the sport as well, and will 100 percent drive fans to the stadium and make the Cincinnati Reds a must-see team, especially right now on their hot streak.
I can speak to the fact that De La Cruz is also bringing in those who don’t follow baseball closely, as I have been fully invested in this Reds season right now. They have some nice young players and seem to be finding a groove right now. Can they keep up this play for the rest of the year and steal a playoff spot? With the way things are going, I don’t know that I would bet against them.
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