RADIO
PROSPECT: Elly De La Cruz, SS, Cincinnati Reds
ANALYSIS: A 2018 signee by the Cincinnati Reds out of the Dominican Republic, the 21-year-old switch-hitting De La Cruz has rare size for a shortstop, which is why many have been expecting him to move to the outfield or third base for years. However, after a huge 2022 breakout, De La Cruz is showing his ability to handle short in Triple-A this season, while he is more than five years younger than the average International League player.
De La Cruz had an incredible .304 average, 68 extra-base hits, and 47 stolen bases in 2022 across two levels, but he also struck out at a 30.8% clip, leading to some concern about his ability to be the superstar that his raw abilities pointed to. He's answered any questions this year.
With Louisville, De La Cruz has slashed .304/.395/.644 with 10 home runs and nine stolen bases while posting a 12.7% walk rate and bringing his strikeout rate down to 26.8%.
VERDICT: De La Cruz is the elite of the elite, arguably the top prospect in the entire game right now. He should be rostered in all dynasty leagues, and he's a very smart stash for the second half of the season in any redraft leagues with bench room as well!
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