Elly De La Cruz joins elite company with 60th stolen base, alongside Acuña Jr.

Elly De La Cruz, the shortstop for the Reds, is currently dominating Major League Baseball with the highest number of stolen bases this season. However, he recently faced a small setback, going without a stolen base since August 8th before breaking that streak in a game on Wednesday in Toronto.

With a successful swipe on Wednesday, De La Cruz reached a significant milestone: his 60th stolen base of the season. As an added highlight, he also managed to hit 21 home runs this year, making him part of an exclusive club of players who have achieved at least 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in the same season.

This unique combination of skills places De La Cruz alongside some legendary players in baseball history. The following list includes those who have accomplished the feat of hitting at least 20 homers and stealing 60 bags in a single season:

• Elly De La Cruz, 2024
• Ronald Acuña Jr., 2023
• Rickey Henderson, 1990
• Eric Davis, 1987
• Rickey Henderson, 1986
• Rickey Henderson, 1985
• Joe Morgan, 1976
• Joe Morgan, 1973

Notably, Elly De La Cruz is now part of a prestigious group, with four out of the eight players on this list having come from the Reds organization. It’s worth mentioning that three of the figures on this prestigious list – Joe Morgan and Rickey Henderson – are former MVPs. Furthermore, five of the eight seasons recorded belong to Hall of Fame players, showcasing just how remarkable this achievement is.

At just 22 years old and still in the midst of the season, De La Cruz has a bright future ahead. Despite a recent dip in his performance that led to the stolen base drought, he remains in contention for a remarkable target: reaching 80 stolen bases this season. If he can achieve this, it would mark the first time a player has accomplished such a feat since 1988, when legends Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman both reached the milestone.

In the world of baseball, the ability to combine power hitting with elite speed is rare. Players who can excel in both categories often become cornerstones of their teams and are revered by fans. De La Cruz’s performance this season is not just a testament to his skills but also a reflection of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to improvement.

As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see if De La Cruz can maintain his momentum and reach the coveted milestone of 80 stolen bases. It will be an exciting subplot as the games unfold, amplifying the anticipation surrounding each of his at-bats and base-running attempts.

The combination of power and speed has historically defined some of the game’s greatest players. De La Cruz’s ability to join the ranks of previous superstars solidifies his emerging status in the league. Furthermore, his achievements are setting high expectations for future seasons, especially as he continues to hone his skills at such a young age.

This season has already proven to be a breakout year for De La Cruz, and his recent performances suggest that he is just getting started. Whether or not he achieves the elusive 80 stolen base mark, he has already established himself as a key player to watch, not just for the Reds, but for the whole league.

Elly De La Cruz is a name that may soon resonate through the annals of baseball history, as he has demonstrated not only talent but also resilience. With multiple seasons ahead of him and a bright future, he is undoubtedly a player to keep your eye on in the coming years.