The Cincinnati Reds have had a difficult time scoring runs in 2026. In fact, they are currently ranked 30th in total runs scored. The good news is that Elly De La Cruz hit a home run in their 10-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Friday. The defeat was obviously far from ideal -- as it represented their third consecutive loss -- but perhaps De La Cruz is close to breaking out of his early season slump.
The 24-year-old is now hitting .236/.232/.473 to go along with a .796 OPS and four home runs this year. His numbers are becoming more respectable after he previously struggled, but De La Cruz still is not meeting his lofty expectations.
There is reason to believe he can find his All-Star form sooner rather than later, though.
De La Cruz has earned two All-Star selections in his three seasons. He still has some questions in his game, as strikeouts are a problem at times. That has not changed this year. De La Cruz's 31 percent strikeout rate is above his career average and ranks in the 18th percentile overall.
However, he is walking more than ever. The Reds star is earning base-on-balls 10.3 percent of the time, a mark that represents his career-best. He is not leading the league in walks by any means, but he is now in the 56th percentile in walk percentage.
Walk percentage is far from the only encouraging underlying number.
De La Cruz ranks in the 94th percentile for average exit velocity. He is in the 82nd percentile for bat speed and 78th percentile for hard-hit percentage. De La Cruz is also hitting the ball in the air at a career-high rate, which means he could see an increase in home runs in 2026.
The shortstop is making an impact in other areas of the game as well. He has already stolen three bases and ranks in the 92nd percentile for baserunning run value. Additionally, De La Cruz is in the 83rd percentile for arm strength and 74th percentile for outs above average.
We are obviously focusing on his offensive performance when discussing the potential of De La Cruz ending his slump, but he is helping the Reds on defense and on the base paths.
De La Cruz will need to find a way to strike out less. Nevertheless, he is doing a lot of other things well. His overall numbers should continue to improve over the next few weeks.