Elly De La Cruz Birthday and Age
Elly De La Cruz was born on August 11, 1995, in Villa Mella, Dominican Republic. His birthday is a key reference point for tracking his age and career timeline in Major League Baseball. As of the latest public records, he remains one of the most dynamic young shortstops in the sport, with his age frequently cited in prospect rankings and contract discussions. His birth date anchors his standing in the MLB draft history and the Reds' development timeline via MLB.com.
The August 11 birth date places him in a competitive cohort of Latin American prospects who debuted in the mid-2010s. Age verification and official records are maintained through league databases and team filings. Fans and analysts use his birthday to calculate service time, arbitration eligibility, and free agency windows. The date is also referenced in scouting profiles that compare his physical tools with peers in the minor and major leagues.
Career Milestones and Current Role
De La Cruz made his MLB debut with the Cincinnati Reds in 2020 after a rapid rise through the minors. He quickly became the team's starting shortstop and a focal point of the franchise's youth movement. His combination of elite speed, defensive range, and emerging power has kept him in the conversation for Gold Glove and Silver Slugger consideration. The Reds have leaned on him as a cornerstone of their infield and leadoff strategy per ESPN player profiles.
His career milestones include multiple multi-hit games, stolen base titles within the National League, and a growing reputation for highlight-reel defensive plays. He has anchored the Reds' infield during periods of roster transition and managerial change. Front offices track his usage, pitch count, and workload as part of long-term planning. His role continues to expand as he gains experience in high-leverage postseason situations.
Contract Status and Financial Profile
De La Cruz's contract situation is a central topic in Cincinnati Reds front office discussions. His service time and performance metrics directly affect arbitration salary and long-term extension negotiations. The team balances his market value with the financial flexibility needed to build a competitive roster around him. Industry comparisons often reference his defensive metrics and baserunning impact when projecting future earnings using FanGraphs data.
As of the latest public filings and reports, his compensation reflects his status as a cost-controlled yet high-impact player. Salary figures, bonus structures, and incentive clauses are monitored by analysts and agents. The Reds' financial strategy includes protecting him from arbitration while maximizing on-field production. His economic profile is tied to the franchise's broader revenue model, which includes ticket sales, media rights, and merchandise tied to his profile via Business of Football.