Cincinnati reds Star elly de la cruz Has Done It Again, Making Announcement; manager Terry Francona Reacts in Shock……

Cincinnati Reds’ star shortstop Elly De La Cruz has once again captured the spotlight with his recent on-field exploits. In a commanding 14-3 victory over the Texas Rangers, De La Cruz showcased his offensive prowess by going 4-for-5 at the plate, belting two home runs and amassing seven RBIs. This standout performance was notably achieved using the much-discussed “torpedo” bat, a design gaining traction among MLB players. citeturn0news12

The torpedo bat, characterized by its bowling pin-like shape with the barrel positioned closer to the handle, has been making waves in the baseball community. Players from various teams, including Yankees’ Anthony Volpe, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Cody Bellinger, have adopted this bat, citing its unique design as a potential advantage at the plate. Despite its unconventional appearance, the bat adheres to MLB regulations, which stipulate specific dimensions and characteristics for equipment used in play. citeturn0news12

Reds’ manager Terry Francona, who took the helm in October 2024 after coming out of retirement, expressed his support for De La Cruz’s choice of equipment. “Our guys are going to order what they’re comfortable with,” Francona stated. “Bats are really personal. Whatever guys want to use, as long as they’re MLB approved, I don’t care.” citeturn0news12

Francona’s confidence in De La Cruz extends beyond equipment choices. Recognizing the young shortstop’s immense talent and potential, Francona has set ambitious goals for him. “I told him again yesterday, ‘I want you to be the best player in baseball on the best team in baseball.’ That’s my goal,” Francona shared. De La Cruz’s response was a broad smile, indicating his readiness to embrace the challenge. citeturn0search1

De La Cruz’s trajectory in MLB has been noteworthy. Making his debut in 2023, he quickly established himself as a formidable force on the field. By 2024, he led the Reds in multiple offensive categories, including OPS, slugging percentage, stolen bases, home runs, doubles, triples, hits, and runs. However, his aggressive style also resulted in leading the team in strikeouts, times caught stealing, and errors. Francona acknowledges these areas for improvement and is committed to guiding De La Cruz toward a more balanced approach. citeturn0search0

The synergy between Francona and De La Cruz is palpable. Francona’s extensive managerial experience, highlighted by two World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox, positions him well to mentor the young star. De La Cruz, in turn, has expressed gratitude for Francona’s belief in his abilities. “I’m so grateful that somebody with so many years in the game believes in me like that and wants me to be the best player on the best team,” De La Cruz remarked. citeturn0search2

As the Reds continue their season, the collaboration between De La Cruz and Francona will be pivotal. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this partnership influences the team’s performance and whether De La Cruz can ascend to the elite status that both he and his manager envision.

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