Elly De La Cruz won’t be suiting up for the Dominican Republic in this year’s World Baseball Classic - not because he didn’t want to, but because the Reds had other plans.
Speaking at Redsfest on January 16, the electric infielder made it clear: his heart was set on representing his country in the March tournament. But after conversations with the team, it became evident that Cincinnati preferred he stay put. De La Cruz respected the decision and said he hopes to get his shot on the international stage down the line.
It’s a tough break for fans hoping to see one of the game’s most dynamic young stars on the WBC stage. De La Cruz has been a National League All-Star in each of the last two seasons, and his blend of speed, power, and defensive flair would’ve been a major boost to a Dominican squad loaded with talent.
Back in December, Dominican Republic manager Albert Pujols had expressed confidence that De La Cruz would be part of the roster. The two had spoken, and all signs pointed to him joining the team. But things changed - and when you consider the context, it’s not hard to see why the Reds might’ve pumped the brakes.
De La Cruz played through a quad strain for much of the second half last season, gutting it out for a team that leaned heavily on his production. The injury didn’t keep him off the field, but it did limit his explosiveness - a key part of his game on both sides of the ball. With spring training around the corner and a long season ahead, the Reds likely saw the WBC as an unnecessary risk.
That said, the international flavor won’t be completely absent from Reds camp this spring. On March 4, Cincinnati is set to face the Cuban national team at Goodyear Ballpark - a unique matchup that should offer a taste of WBC-style competition, even if De La Cruz won’t be in that mix.
For now, the 22-year-old phenom will focus on getting fully healthy and gearing up for another big year in Cincinnati. The WBC will have to wait - but if his trajectory continues, there’s little doubt De La Cruz will get his chance to wear the Dominican colors soon enough.