Reds Manager Terry Francona Shared the Huge Goal He Has for Star Elly De La Cruz
The Cincinnati Reds have found a new star in Elly De La Cruz, a 21-year-old shortstop whose rise to prominence in Major League Baseball has captivated fans and analysts alike.
De La Cruz is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in the game, combining blazing speed, raw power, and exceptional defensive skills.
As the Reds continue their quest to rebuild and become contenders in the National League Central, much of their hopes for future success are tied to De La Cruz’s development.
In the context of this high ceiling, Reds manager Terry Francona, an experienced leader with over 25 years of managerial experience, has spoken openly about his hopes for De La Cruz. Francona’s goals for the young star go beyond just helping him thrive on the field in 2024; he’s aiming to foster a long-term, sustainable career for De La Cruz that transcends his raw talent. In a series of candid remarks, Francona revealed a crucial goal he has for De La Cruz, emphasizing the importance of patience, discipline, and mental maturity as the keys to unlocking his full potential.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the player that is Elly De La Cruz, explore the role Terry Francona hopes to play in his development, and reflect on the bigger picture of how such a player can shape the future of the Reds organization.
The Rise of Elly De La Cruz
Elly De La Cruz’s journey to the major leagues has been as electrifying as it has been rapid. Born on January 11, 2002, in the Dominican Republic, De La Cruz was signed by the Cincinnati Reds as an international free agent in 2018.
His physical tools were immediately apparent — a 6-foot-5, 200-pound frame that combines power and athleticism. However, it was his raw potential, not his polished skill set, that made him stand out from the pack.
De La Cruz quickly ascended through the minor league ranks, drawing attention for his rare combination of speed, power, and defensive ability. His performance in the minors was nothing short of spectacular. In 2021, he posted a .296/.336/.538 slash line with 16 home runs, 13 steals, and a 19.5% strikeout rate in 61 games at High-A. The following year, he further cemented his reputation by dominating at Double-A Chattanooga, where he showcased both power and speed, and began to turn heads across the league.
It wasn’t long before the buzz surrounding De La Cruz reached a fever pitch. By the summer of 2023, he was called up to the big leagues, and he wasted no time in making an impact.
In his first major league at-bat, he stole two bases, marking the beginning of what would be a thrilling debut season.
With each game, De La Cruz demonstrated an ability to hit for power, make strong plays at shortstop, and display the kind of speed that few players possess.
Yet for all his exciting tools, De La Cruz is still in the process of refining his game at the major league level. His strikeout rate remains high, and his plate discipline is an area in which he must improve if he is to consistently excel at the highest level. It’s here that Terry Francona’s guidance becomes critical.
Terry Francona: A Manager With a Vision
Terry Francona’s career as a manager is marked by a blend of patience, strategic thinking, and an ability to get the best out of his players. Francona became the manager of the Cleveland Indians (now the Cleveland Guardians) in 2013 and led the team to numerous playoff appearances, including a near World Series title in 2016. His reputation as a player’s manager and his ability to work with young talent make him a natural fit for helping guide Elly De La Cruz through the early stages of his career.
Francona is not known for being a manager who relies solely on “old-school” methods or intuition. He is a progressive thinker who embraces new technology and data, while also understanding the importance of a player’s mental and emotional development. Over the years, he has helped guide several young players to stardom, most notably Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, and others during his time with the Indians.
His approach to nurturing young talent involves more than just mechanical adjustments or tactical lessons — it’s about creating a foundation of confidence, discipline, and mental resilience.
Francona’s ability to relate to young players, combined with his experience in managing talent, has earned him a reputation as one of the best in the business.
He has built a career around the idea that mental maturity is just as crucial as physical ability for players to succeed in the major leagues. It’s this same belief that Francona has now set his sights on when it comes to Elly De La Cruz.
The Huge Goal for Elly De La Cruz
Terry Francona’s vision for Elly De La Cruz isn’t merely about turning him into a better hitter, a more reliable fielder, or a more aggressive base runner.
While all of these things are certainly part of the process, Francona’s goal is much broader. He has repeatedly emphasized that his primary objective is to help De La Cruz become a more mentally mature player, one who can deal with the pressures of the game and consistently apply his talent at the highest level.
Francona’s goal is simple: he wants De La Cruz to learn how to “slow the game down.”
This goal isn’t a criticism of De La Cruz’s approach — far from it. In fact, it’s a recognition of his remarkable athletic gifts and the fact that his raw ability is evident every time he steps onto the field. But as Francona knows all too well, the game at the major league level is faster and more complex than anything a player experiences in the minors. Rookies and young stars like De La Cruz often find themselves caught up in the chaos of the game’s intensity — swinging too aggressively, pressing too hard, or letting the weight of expectations get to them.
“Slow the game down” is a phrase often used by coaches and players, but its meaning can be elusive. At its core, it’s about gaining control over the mental aspects of the game.
It’s about not being too quick to chase after bad pitches or make rash decisions. It’s about developing the mental discipline to take a deep breath, stay patient, and trust that your physical skills will carry you through even the toughest moments.
Francona’s focus on mental maturity has been a consistent theme throughout his career, especially with young players. He wants De La Cruz to learn how to approach each at-bat with patience, not feel rushed on defense, and maintain his confidence even when things aren’t going well.
Francona’s goal isn’t to change De La Cruz’s style of play, but rather to help him refine his decision-making process and develop a deeper understanding of the game’s rhythms.
How Francona Plans to Achieve This Goal
Achieving this goal will require patience and a long-term commitment. It will likely involve a combination of one-on-one coaching, in-game adjustments, and perhaps even changes to De La Cruz’s approach to training and preparation. Here are a few key ways that Francona will likely approach this challenge:
1. Emphasizing Plate Discipline: One area where De La Cruz has shown vulnerability is in his plate discipline. His aggressive approach at the plate has led to a high strikeout rate, and while his power is unquestionable, Francona will want to help him become more selective in his pitches. By learning to recognize pitches better, De La Cruz can avoid swinging at bad balls, which will increase his on-base percentage and overall effectiveness.
2. Providing Mental Conditioning: One of the most important aspects of slowing the game down is mental conditioning. Francona might introduce strategies like mindfulness exercises, visualization, or relaxation techniques to help De La Cruz maintain composure under pressure.
In addition, fostering a growth mindset will help De La Cruz better cope with the inevitable struggles and slumps that come with being a young player.
3. Gradual Adjustments: Francona will likely focus on making gradual, incremental improvements in De La Cruz’s game, rather than pushing for drastic changes. This approach has been a hallmark of his managing style, especially with young players. By helping De La Cruz focus on small improvements over time, Francona can ensure that the player doesn’t become overwhelmed.
4. Creating a Strong Support System: Developing a young player’s mental maturity doesn’t just happen through one-on-one meetings with the manager. It requires a strong team culture, one where players support one another and help each other grow. Francona has often emphasized the importance of a positive clubhouse environment, where veterans and coaches can share their wisdom and experiences. This support system will be crucial for De La Cruz’s long-term growth.
The Bigger Picture for the Reds
The Reds are at a critical juncture in their rebuilding process. With De La Cruz’s immense talent, coupled with an emerging group of young players, Cincinnati has the potential to become a competitive team in the near future. However, this potential is only realized if the club can help its young stars develop into fully realized major leaguers.
Francona’s goal for De La Cruz is not just about improving one player, but about laying the foundation for a successful, sustainable future for the Reds. If De La Cruz can refine his mental game, it will allow him to reach his immense potential, and in turn, help lift the entire team.
De La Cruz, as the centerpiece of this young core, is key to the Reds’ future. His success will be the barometer by which the club’s rebuilding efforts are measured. By helping De La Cruz “slow the game down” and reach his mental potential, Francona is setting the Reds up for sustained success, ensuring that their young star can handle the pressures that come with being a
