The trade market is swirling with speculation once again—this time centered around Cincinnati Reds phenom Elly De La Cruz, as reports link the star shortstop to the Los Angeles Dodgers in what could become one of the most shocking trades in recent franchise history.
De La Cruz, known for his rare combination of speed, power, and defensive brilliance, is considered a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s rebuild. But despite being just 23 years old and under team control for several more seasons, momentum is reportedly building behind the scenes for a blockbuster deal that would send him to the contending Dodgers.
According to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, Elly De La Cruz has caught the eye of Los Angeles executives desperate to fill the shortstop void left since Corey Seager’s departure. With Mookie Betts shifting around the infield and inconsistency at shortstop, De La Cruz could provide both long-term upside and immediate star power.
The Reds, meanwhile, are still exploring the full implications of a deal that could involve a massive return in the form of top prospects and possibly Major League-ready arms. Sources suggest that the front office is not only open to negotiations, but also quietly entertaining the possibility of including a contract extension as part of the agreement to sweeten the long-term value for both sides.
Reds general manager Nick Krall has reportedly been weighing the franchise’s trajectory and whether keeping De La Cruz or flipping him for elite pitching depth and future offensive pieces is the best course forward. While no official agreement has been reached, insiders describe the dialogue as “active and progressing.”
Should the trade go through, it would vault the Dodgers back into the elite tier of title contenders while forcing the Reds to pivot their rebuild around a new core. And with Los Angeles already showing willingness to spend big, an extension for De La Cruz could follow swiftly—potentially pushing his total value into nine-figure territory.
For now, all eyes remain on Cincinnati as one of baseball’s most exciting young stars becomes the centerpiece of a potential franchise-altering deal.
