Let’s dig into the early-season buzz around Elly De La Cruz as a possible NL MVP candidate. MLB Network’s Brian Kenny tossed out an optimistic projection, and the Cincinnati Reds kicked things off hot against the Boston Red Sox.
De La Cruz stands out with a wild mix: blazing baserunning, real defensive chops at shortstop, and the hope his bat keeps improving. That’s what could put him in the thick of the MVP race, even with Shohei Ohtani looming over the landscape.
Kenny’s Case for De La Cruz: Speed, Defense and a Bold Projection
Kenny painted a picture where De La Cruz, if he stays healthy, could flirt with eight wins above replacement. That’s the kind of number that puts pressure on the reigning MVP.
He focused on three things: speed, baserunning, and defense at short. That combo creates real value, even when the bat isn’t totally locked in.
Kenny didn’t gloss over the risk. De La Cruz’s offense still has to trend up for the MVP talk to stick. But if everything clicks? The ceiling for Cincinnati is sky-high.
Why De La Cruz Could Be an NL MVP Contender
- Elite baserunning: De La Cruz’s speed and instincts change games on the bases. He racks up steals and forces pitchers and catchers to rush or make mistakes.
- Defensive value at shortstop: He put up 14 outs above average last year, which speaks volumes about his glove work and how it helps the Reds win.
- Dynamic speed-plus-toolkit: When he’s healthy, his range, arm, and contact skills just pop. That brings real value all over the lineup.
The Odds and the Numbers
Oddsmakers still see Shohei Ohtani as the runaway favorite for a third straight NL MVP at -140, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. De La Cruz sits much further back at +2500, tied with Francisco Lindor among the next tier of hopefuls.
Other big names: Juan Soto is +700, Ronald Acuña Jr. at +1000, and Fernando Tatis Jr. at +2000. The odds show the gap between Ohtani’s historic two-way game and a rising star like De La Cruz who still has to prove he can do it all season long.
The Offensive Gap to Cross
Kenny made it clear: De La Cruz needs to boost his offensive numbers to really join the MVP conversation. In 2023, he hit .264/.336/.440 with 22 home runs and 4.3 fWAR.
But after the All-Star break, his numbers slid (.666 OPS), which got people wondering about his consistency. In 2024, he’s still showing off his speed and defense—67 stolen bases, 14 outs above average at short—but he needs to get on base and slug more to tie it all together.
If he can bump up his OBP and power while keeping up the defense, the MVP talk gets a lot more real.
A Quick Look at the Track Record
Last season, De La Cruz played through a partially torn left quad and still made an impact. That says a lot about his toughness.
In 2024, he’s tearing up the base paths with 67 steals—hardly anyone can match that. He’s kept shortstop locked down, with outs above average showing how much ground he covers and how versatile he is.
That mix of speed, defense, and a bat that could be on the rise? It’s the storyline to watch as the season unfolds.
The Week Ahead for Cincinnati
Era-defining moments rarely come down to just one weekend. Still, the Reds’ series against Boston feels like a real test.
De La Cruz started the series 2-for-8. He’s got a shot to push deeper into the MVP conversation if he keeps playing aggressively at Great American Ball Park.
The Reds and Red Sox meet again Sunday. Cincinnati’s banking on home-field energy and hoping they can hold off Boston’s pitchers long enough for De La Cruz’s all-around talent to take center stage.
As the season rolls on, scouts and bettors are watching to see if De La Cruz can turn his raw ability into a true offensive breakout. If he pulls it off—while keeping up his wild baserunning and stellar defense—the NL MVP race could actually get interesting.
Maybe it won’t just be a one-man show. Elly De La Cruz could really challenge Ohtani and the rest of the league’s stars. Wouldn’t that be something?
Here is the source article for this story: NL Star Draws MVP Prediction Amid Strong Start Against Red Sox
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