The Reds’ shortstop is showing raw energy and athleticism on the field, along with some elite numbers. 18 home runs, 55 RBIs, and a .511 slugging percentage is not an easy feat. Elly De La Cruz currently leads all the NL shortstops in several offensive categories, making a strong case for a spot in the All-Star Game.

Yet, in a moment that feels all too familiar, fan vote favored more established names. Francisco Lindor and Mookie Betts are in the top two, leaving Cruz for third. But just when the snub could have cast a shadow over his breakout campaign, Cruz responded with a decision that, while unexpected, might just prove to be one of the smartest moves of his emerging career.

“Elly De La Cruz has declined to participate in the Derby,” Talkin’ Baseball quoted Reds insider C. Trent Rosecrans.

Well, Cruz in the Home Run Derby would’ve been electric. But he’s choosing to sit this one out, and honestly, that’s probably a smart move.

For starters, Cruz is the kind of guy who wants to be out there for all 162 games, and he has already played all 81 until now this year. So, taking that break might be exactly what he needs.

Plus, Derby has a history of messing with hitters’ swings and throwing off their rhythm.

True that the Home Run Derby is indeed a blast to watch! Yes, it’s big, fun, and full of fireworks from top hitters. But it can be brutal on mechanics. In the home run derby, you’re swinging all-out every 15 seconds. Even the hitters are taking 50 to 70 swings in one night. So, you can imagine what it does to the prized arms in that one night. The former Phillies slugger, Bobby Abreu, was the star of the 2005 home run derby with 41 homers. Later, in the season, he could only add 6 more. And that’s probably because of the massive impact of the Derby on his body.

Yep, smart for Cruz to stay locked in and opt for his long-term utility for the Reds.

The Reds are centered around Cruz

Well, it would not be a stretch to say that Cruz is driving the Reds’ offensive cavalry this year. While he is leading the roster with 18 HRs, the next best is Matt Mclain with 9 homers. The Reds cannot afford to lose this momentum!

Cincinnati is currently ranked 4th in the NL Central with a 42-39 record. And to ensure a playoff berth, individual brilliance from Cruz may not be enough. Unless some of their hitters like Spencer Steer, Matt McLain, and Santiago Espinal turn things around or they string more consistent multi-run games, the team would likely hover around average offensively.

Moreover, their bullpen and pitching are looking bare and vulnerable.

Currently ranked 14th in terms of team ERA (3.85), the Reds’ pitching in 2025 has been a mixed bag. While names like Andrew Abbott (1.79 ERA) and Nick Lodolo (3.63 ERA) are the few bright spots, the overall pitching lineup is struggling to sustain itself. Since April 28, Reds starters have gone more than five innings just once in a 26-game stretch.

And this is something even the brilliance of Cruz cannot fix.

So, while Cruz is focusing on playing more games for the team, it’s time for the entire lineup to come forward to make a difference.