De La Cruz Passes on Reds' Franchise-Record Offer, Bets on Himself
Elly De La Cruz reportedly declined a 2025 offer from the Reds that would have topped the franchise-record $225 million deal given to Joey Votto, choosing to bet on himself. The 22-year-old star posted strong numbers in his first full season—25 homers, 67 steals, and a .259/.339/.471 line—and remains under team control with arbitration eligibility next year; the Reds indicated they’ll likely revisit extension talks this spring, with Boras advising the client.