Title: Star Shortstop Elly De La Cruz Turns Down Record Reds Contract Extension
In a surprising turn of events, the Cincinnati Reds made a groundbreaking contract extension offer to their star shortstop, Elly De La Cruz, in 2025. However, De La Cruz chose to reject this historic deal, according to Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall.
Despite the rejection, both the team and the player have ample time to revisit contract negotiations, as De La Cruz is currently playing under a pre-arbitration deal and will be eligible for arbitration in 2027. The young talent is under team control until the end of the 2029 season, leaving room for future discussions.
The rejected offer would have elevated De La Cruz to become the highest-paid player in Reds history, surpassing the current record held by Joey Votto. Votto signed a monumental 10-year, $225 million contract with the team back in 2012.
De La Cruz, just 24 years old, has already showcased his exceptional skills on the field by earning All-Star honors in the past two seasons. In his most recent campaign in 2025, he displayed his prowess by batting .264 with 22 home runs, 31 doubles, seven triples, 37 stolen bases, and 86 RBIs, accompanied by an impressive .777 OPS.
The decision made by De La Cruz not only impacts his future but also raises questions about the Reds’ financial strategy and player retention plans. It will be intriguing to see how both parties navigate this situation moving forward, with potential implications for other teams and players in the league.
As baseball fans wait to see how this unfolds, the storyline of Elly De La Cruz’s contract negotiations adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming seasons, highlighting the intricate dance between players, teams, and the business side of the sport.
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