The Cincinnati Reds have quickly gone from a basement dweller to a true contender in the National League. A big reason for this drastic turnaround is the impressive play of rookie shortstop Elly De La Cruz, which seemingly earned him an invite to the 2023 MLB Home Run Derby.
De La Cruz’s power has been on full display for the Reds. He has only played 23 games, but he has already racked up 11 extra-base hits, with some eye-popping exit velocities when he does make hard contact.
The rookie sensation spoke to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer on Monday, where he revealed that he was offered an invitation to the Home Run Derby, but declined as he is focused on the success of the Reds as a team.
“I’d rather focus on this season and make sure I’m able to contribute to this team and help this team win,” De La Cruz said via the Reds team interpreter.
It’s certainly understandable for Cruz to not want to participate in the event. We have seen participants of the Home Run Derby in the past go through rough cold streaks at the plate after the event, finding it hard to adjust their swing back to what it once was.
That being said, it would have been great to see a player with the raw power of De La Cruz participate in the event. Reds fans however have to be happy with the decision, and it shows that he truly cares about doing all that he can to make the team a playoff-caliber team this season.
