Young Cincinnati Reds sensation Elly De La Cruz is establishing himself as a big star in Major League Baseball.
Teammate Joey Votto is so impressed with the Dominican’s performance that he compares him to none other than legendary New York Yankees player Mickey Mantle.
– Also read: MLB: This player will be traded mid-game
“Is there a better player that’s a two-handed hitter and has that much speed and power? The only one that comes to mind is Mickey Mantle. It’s unfair to compare Elly to one of the greatest players of all time. Elly has plenty of time to entertain the fans,” Votto told MLB.Com on Friday night.
De La Cruz has been wowing the baseball world since his big league debut on June 6, 2023.
The 21-year-old had a carousel in Friday night’s game that ended in an 11-10 win for his team over the Atlanta Braves. He was the youngest player since Cesar Cedeno in 1972 to achieve the feat. Additionally, he was the first player in the Cincinnati organization to step on a carousel since Eric Davis in 1989.
“Honestly, I can’t really put into words how I’m feeling right now,” De La Cruz said through his translator, Jorge Merlos, whose words were published on MLB.com. […]. To be the second player to achieve this [le carrousel] after him [Eric Davis] and to wear the same number is just incredible and an honour,” he added.
The shortstop and third baseman also became the first player since 1903 to record 20 hits, five stolen bases and three homers in his first 15 career games.
Everything is swimming in oil for the Reds at the moment. They just won their last 12 games and are No. 1 in the National League Central Division.