(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Reds did not start off the 2023 season well.
In fact, they were five games below the .500 mark in June before the promotion of Elly De La Cruz.
Since then, the top shortstop prospect has given the Reds a huge lift.
As we enter the final weekend of the first half, the Reds are now 10 games over .500 and have won five consecutive games.
They also have a two-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central.
On Twitter, Jesse Rogers of ESPN pointed out just how important De La Cruz has been for the Reds and how he has helped transform the team.
Elly De La Cruz has been in the big leagues for exactly one month. The Reds are 21-6. From 5 under to 10 over.
Fun stat if you’re a fan: The Reds are 18-17 on the road when trailing in games this season. They are the only team in MLB to have a winning record in that situation.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) July 7, 2023
The Reds’ young core of stars is clearly ahead of schedule.
Rogers also pointed out an interesting fact in his tweet, noting that the Reds are 18-17 on the road in games that they have trailed, making them the only team in baseball to have a winning record in that particular situation.
But De La Cruz has been the driving force for the Reds on this run as they have completely defied expectations and now own the top record in the NL Central.
Last season, the Reds finished tied for last place in the division with the Pittsburgh Pirates after going 62-100.
This year is a far different story, however, and the arrival of stars such as De La Cruz has helped them emerge as a surprise contender in the National League.
At 49-39, the Reds have the fifth-best record in the National League and are set to continue their surge in the second half.
The post Simple Stat Shows How Valuable Elly De La Cruz Has Been For The Reds appeared first on The Cold Wire.