Elly De La Cruz just turned down the largest contract offer in Cincinnati Reds history. The 24-year-old shortstop walked away from a deal that would have exceeded Joey Votto’s $225 million agreement, shocking the franchise last spring.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Offer Status: Reds made a record extension offer last spring that De La Cruz rejected
- 2025 Performance: De La Cruz posted 22 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 37 stolen bases in his second All-Star season
- Free Agency Timeline: The short will become a free agent following the 2029 season at age 28
- Agent Strategy: Scott Boras represents De La Cruz and is known for pushing clients toward full free agency
Why De La Cruz Walked Away from Cincinnati’s Offer
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Nick Krall, the Reds’ president of baseball operations, confirmed the rejection Friday at Redsfest. “We made Elly an offer that would’ve made him the highest-paid Red ever,” Krall said. “That’s not where he is and you respect that. It’s their career.” The Reds reportedly constructed a deal that would have surpassed the franchise record $225 million extension Joey Votto signed back in 2012. However, De La Cruz’s representation under super-agent Scott Boras likely steered him toward testing the free market instead.
The 6-foot-5 switch-hitter delegated negotiations to his agent. “I let my agent take care of all of that,” De La Cruz said simply at the winter event. For players under Boras, the strategy typically involves reaching unrestricted free agency to maximize earning potential, rather than accepting long-term team extensions early in their careers.
De La Cruz’s Emerging Superstar Resume
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In just three MLB seasons, De La Cruz has established himself as one of baseball’s most electric young talents. He ranked in the 91st percentile in sprint speed, 93rd percentile in arm strength, and elite 98th percentile in max exit velocity during 2025. His 2025 campaign saw him post career-solid 22 homers, 86 RBIs, and team-leading 37 stolen bases while helping the Reds reach the postseason for the first time since 2020.
De La Cruz has already produced a top-10 MVP finish and earned selection to two consecutive All-Star Games, making him one of the most marketable young stars in the National League. His combination of bat speed, athleticism, and defensive range positions him for an even bigger payday as a free agent.
Comparing De La Cruz’s Path to All-Time Red Contracts
| Player | Era | Contract Terms |
| Joey Votto | 2012 | 10-year, $225 million |
| Elly De La Cruz Offer | Spring 2025 | Would have exceeded $225M (exact details unknown) |
| De La Cruz Free Agency | Winter 2029 | Projected $250M+ range (per Bleacher Report) |
“We made Elly an offer that would’ve made him the highest-paid Red ever. That’s not where he is and you respect that. It’s their career. You keep going and you keep working on what you can do today.”
— Nick Krall, Reds President of Baseball Operations
The Boras Effect: Why Extension Talks Rarely Stick
Scott Boras, baseball’s most powerful agent, has built a reputation for steering his elite clients toward free agency rather than locking them into long-term deals. De La Cruz follows this familiar script. The 24-year-old, represented by Boras, will enter arbitration following the 2026 season, making him eligible for open market free agency in winter 2029. By that time, he’ll still be in his prime at age 28, commanding maximum leverage and paydays.
The Reds are banking on future negotiations, but history shows that players under Boras representation typically test free agency. According to Bleacher Report, De La Cruz projects to command at least a $250 million deal or higher depending on continued development, especially if his defensive consistency improves over the next three seasons.
What Does De La Cruz’s Decision Mean for Cincinnati’s Future?
The rejection leaves the Reds in an uncertain position regarding their franchise star. Cincinnati made its effort to lock down De La Cruz long-term, evidenced by Krall‘s statement about approaching other young players for extensions. Another success story came when Hunter Greene agreed to a long-term deal as the team’s anchor starter.
Without De La Cruz locked in, the Reds must continue building around their young talent while maintaining competitiveness. De La Cruz will play out his final year before arbitration in 2026, then two more years before reaching free agency. That window gives Cincinnati three additional seasons to continue negotiations, but the ball remains squarely in De La Cruz’s court. Will the franchise that developed him be able to afford keeping him past 2029?
Sources
- Sportsnet Canada – Detailed reporting on the Reds’ offer to De La Cruz and franchise history context
- The Athletic/New York Times – C. Trent Rosecrans exclusive on contract negotiations and player statement
- MLB.com – Official statistics, arbitration timeline, and De La Cruz performance metrics
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.