Nick Kirby and Craig Sandlin discuss Elly De La Cruz joining Gunner Henderson and Paul Skeens as MLB The Show 25 cover stars, the rise of De La Cruz and the future of the Reds shortstop in Cincinnati.
Elly De La Cruz has emerged as a significant figure in Major League Baseball (MLB), particularly with his recent announcement as the cover athlete for “MLB The Show 25.” This recognition not only highlights his rapid ascent in professional baseball but also his impact on the sport’s cultural landscape.
Born on January 11, 2002, in Sabana Grande de Boyá, Dominican Republic, Elly Antonio De La Cruz signed with the Cincinnati Reds as an international free agent in 2018. His journey to MLB stardom was marked by a blend of raw talent and extraordinary physical attributes. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, De La Cruz is one of the tallest shortstops in MLB history, combining his height with blazing speed and a powerful arm, making him a unique player on the field. His debut in the MLB in 2023 was nothing short of spectacular, where he showcased his abilities by hitting for the cycle, stealing bases at an unprecedented rate, and demonstrating defensive prowess at shortstop.
“MLB The Show,” a long-standing franchise in baseball video games, has a tradition of selecting cover athletes who not only excel in their sport but also capture the imagination of fans. De La Cruz’s selection for “MLB The Show 25” underscores his status as one of baseball’s most exciting young stars. His announcement was made through social media, where he expressed his excitement about being on the cover, affirming his competitive spirit with a playful challenge to all players, “You already know I’mma beat everyone.” This statement reflects not just his confidence but also his engaging personality, which has helped in building his fanbase.
The impact of being a cover athlete extends beyond personal accolades; it signifies a player’s influence on the league’s popularity and the game’s marketing strategy. For De La Cruz, this honor positions him as the face of MLB in the digital realm, potentially influencing young gamers and fans who might not yet follow baseball closely. His inclusion on the cover follows in the footsteps of legends like Ken Griffey Jr., David Ortiz, Aaron Judge, and Shohei Ohtani, suggesting he’s seen as a future icon of the game.
In terms of gameplay within “MLB The Show 25,” fans can expect De La Cruz’s attributes to be reflected accurately, showcasing his speed, power, and defensive skills. His presence on the cover likely means players will have access to special cards or versions of De La Cruz in the game, providing an opportunity to experience his talents virtually. This aspect is particularly thrilling for gamers who enjoy the franchise’s modes like Diamond Dynasty, where players can build teams with their favorite athletes, including special edition cards of cover athletes.
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Moreover, his selection comes at a time when the Reds are aiming to rejuvenate their team with young talent, making De La Cruz a central figure in their strategy. His performance in the MLB has been a talking point, with his speed leading to comparisons with some of the fastest players in baseball history, and his power setting him apart as one of the league’s most dynamic players.
In summary, Elly De La Cruz’s feature on the cover of “MLB The Show 25” is a testament to his burgeoning influence in baseball, blending his on-field achievements with his off-field charisma. This honor not only celebrates his current achievements but also sets high expectations for his future contributions to the sport, both in reality and in the digital world of gaming.
9 Comments
CBox reds before the sun comes up!
Pay that man
Yes plz offer this dude a contract before its too late and he cost too much
People are delusional if they think Elly is staying with us, enjoy the 4 years, be grateful for all the prospects he gets us when we trade him, and just know Cam Collier will be 40 HR hitter
The Reds can’t even sign Randall Grichuk to a 1 year deal there is now chance in hell they sign Elly. Elly does not even want to play with the reds passed arbitration. He’s going straight to the dodgers day 1 of free agency
Perhaps they'll release 3 different covers, and it become a contest to see which cover is purchased more. And they become the "winner" of this year.
Great show
Part of not taking Elly for granted is going ALL IN and building a championship roster. They should be opening their pocketbook and adding two more $25M/year players while we have Elly on the cheap.
Step one: Cover Star
Step two: MVP
Step three: World Series here in Cincinnati
Step four: lifetime contract with the Reds