The Off the Bench Boys react to the Cincinnati Reds Starters balling out specifically Elly De La Cruz and his 2 Home Run weekend! Will he be good enough to outshine Shohei Ohtani?
As the 2025 MLB season approaches, the question of whether Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz can win the National League MVP award is generating buzz. After a breakout 2024 campaign, De La Cruz has positioned himself as a legitimate contender, but his path to the MVP crown will depend on several factors, including his own growth and the competition he’ll face.
In 2024, De La Cruz showcased his electrifying skill set, leading the majors with 67 stolen bases while hitting 25 home runs and batting .259 with an .809 OPS. His first full season earned him an All-Star nod and an eighth-place finish in NL MVP voting, signaling his potential as a superstar. At just 23 years old, De La Cruz combines rare speed, power, and defensive flair at a premium position. Analysts like MLB Network’s Matt Vasgersian have already pegged him as a top challenger to reigning MVP Shohei Ohtani, citing his work ethic and jaw-dropping tools. If he can refine his approach—cutting down on his league-leading 218 strikeouts and improving consistency—he could post a historic stat line, perhaps nearing 30 homers and 80 steals.
However, the competition will be fierce. Ohtani, now with the Dodgers, remains the favorite after his unprecedented 50-50 season in 2024. With a projected return to pitching in 2025, his two-way dominance could make him untouchable if he stays healthy. Other stars like Mookie Betts, Francisco Lindor, and Fernando Tatis Jr. also loom large, each capable of MVP-caliber seasons on contending teams. Team success often sways voters, and the Reds’ ability to climb the NL Central standings under new manager Terry Francona could bolster De La Cruz’s case.
De La Cruz’s ceiling is sky-high, and his 2025 fantasy projections—around 25-30 homers, 60-80 steals, and a .270 average—suggest he could dominate. If he harnesses his raw talent into more consistent production and the Reds surprise as a playoff contender, he has a real shot. While Ohtani’s brilliance might overshadow him, De La Cruz’s unique blend of speed and power could make 2025 his MVP moment.
Watch Off The Bench presented by UDF Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing.
PODCAST LINKS:
Apple: https://apple.co/3QsyY1C
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3KWJcWR
Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3RwZ9We
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/3BqqmEg
iHeart Radio: https://bit.ly/3BtowTm
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Db8Rcw
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Riff Rock
⏩ Watch More:
◼ Cincinnati Reds Should Add Former Top 100 Prospect George Valera After Cleveland Guardians DFA – https://youtu.be/zSyMxSP_kQ8
◼ What REALLY Is Going On With Cincinnati Bengals Kicker Evan McPherson… – https://youtu.be/iRB8aBaywZg
◼ Cincinnati Reds Officially Resign Nick Martinez, Trade Rumors with Jonathan India | Chatterbox Reds – https://youtu.be/K4Wk_MuTLN0
◼ Should the Bengals CUT Sam Hubbard This Off-Season? – https://youtu.be/GvxBZlwBpAw
CHATTERBOX LINKS:
Chatterbox Reds: https://linktr.ee/chatterboxreds
Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/
Chatterbox Bengals: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7WtWXJbcB_g2xYu7ST276R7
Chatterbox Clicker (Bengals Film Breakdown with Coach Kyle Caskey): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7V9GfyT1tl6M1dWQtQ9730Z
The Chatter Podcast: https://queencitychatter.podbean.com/
Chatterbox Store: https://www.chatterboxsports.com/store
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cboxsports
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cboxsports/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBoxSports
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cboxsports
The Gangs Socials –
X: https://x.com/ThomBrennamanTV
X: https://x.com/ReidMausRadio
X: https://x.com/etrain513
X: https://x.com/CBoxCasey
X: https://x.com/CBoxTrace
X: https://x.com/Nicholaspkirby
X: https://x.com/jacobtissot
X: https://x.com/Jimmy_C777
2 Comments
Always ride for cincy sports no matter what but this a stupid ass take tryna be different
He strike out too much