TRADE DECLINE: Elly De La Cruz Declined $88.14 Million NIL Offer from Colorado Avalanches — A Testament to Loyalty and Integrity…

TRADE DECLINE: Elly De La Cruz Declined $88.14 Million NIL Offer from Colorado Avalanche — A Testament to Loyalty and Integrity

In a bold act that defies the conventions of modern professional sports, Cincinnati Reds phenom Elly De La Cruz has reportedly turned down a staggering $88.14 million NIL offer from the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche — a move that has reverberated across the sports world as a definitive stand for loyalty, character, and self-identity.

While NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals are primarily associated with amateur and collegiate athletics, insiders close to the situation confirm that the Avalanche were prepared to take De La Cruz’s brand global, anchoring a multi-year marketing and crossover athletic campaign that would have made him one of the most visible figures in American sports — and the first Major League Baseball star to become the face of a major NHL franchise.

But De La Cruz declined.

“I am a baseball player. I am a Cincinnati Red,” De La Cruz said in a quiet, composed press conference at Great American Ball Park. “This is my home. This jersey means something. The fans here believed in me when I was just a kid with a dream.”

At just 23 years old, De La Cruz is already one of the brightest young stars in baseball. His electrifying speed, thunderous bat, and unshakeable confidence have turned him into a franchise cornerstone. The Avalanche, intrigued by his marketability, athleticism, and crossover appeal, had reportedly developed a strategic campaign positioning De La Cruz as a dual-sport brand ambassador, complete with merchandise lines, global advertising partnerships, and an option to train with Avalanche skaters during the MLB offseason.

The proposed NIL package would have shattered current records, placing De La Cruz in the company of the world’s most financially lucrative athletes — even before he reaches MLB arbitration.

But for De La Cruz, no sum could rival the bond he shares with Cincinnati.

“I’ve got ice in my veins, but not under my skates,” he joked, before turning serious. “I play with fire for this city, for this team. I’m not chasing every opportunity. I’m chasing legacy.”

Cincinnati Reds management, while aware of the discussions, respected De La Cruz’s autonomy and never interfered. “We know who Elly is,” said Reds GM Nick Krall. “He doesn’t flinch. He doesn’t fold. This kid was never for sale.”

Across MLB, players and coaches alike applauded the move. Many saw it as a rare stand for the intangible aspects of the game — loyalty, identity, and personal purpose — in an era where contract values dominate headlines.

“What Elly just did is bigger than a game,” said Dodgers star Mookie Betts. “He reminded all of us that being great is about more than stats and cash. It’s about knowing who you are and where you belong.”

Avalanche officials issued a brief but respectful statement, acknowledging De La Cruz’s decision and commending his “exceptional character and admirable sense of loyalty.”

But the cultural ripple of the moment extends far beyond MLB or the NHL. De La Cruz’s choice signals a growing awareness among young athletes that authenticity matters — that chasing every dollar can’t replace the value of staying rooted.

Fans in Cincinnati wasted no time celebrating the news. On social media, the hashtag #RedsForLife began trending within hours, accompanied by fan-made graphics, tribute videos, and emotional thank-you posts. Some even showed up outside the stadium with homemade signs reading: “$88 Million? Elly’s Priceless.”

This isn’t the first time De La Cruz has defied expectations. Born in the Dominican Republic and signed as an international free agent at just 16, he’s always played with a chip on his shoulder and a sense of purpose that runs deeper than box scores. His humility, despite stardom, has endeared him to Reds faithful — and now, his integrity has secured his place as a true icon of the club.

As De La Cruz took the field later that evening to a thunderous ovation, one thing was clear: Cincinnati isn’t just where he plays.

It’s where he belongs.