Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz. Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Reds top prospect wows in second career MLB game

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 6/7/23

Cincinnati Reds top prospect Elly De La Cruz is off to a fantastic start only two games into this major league career.

After posting two extra-base hits in Wednesday's 8-6 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers, De La Cruz has already recorded the two hardest-hit balls of the year (114.8, 112.0 mph) and the longest home run (458 feet) for the Reds on the season to go along with the fastest home-to-third speed in the majors.

5 at-bats into his @MLB career, @reds' Elly De La Cruz registered:
The Reds' two hardest-hit balls of '23 (114.8, 112.0)
The Reds' two fastest sprint speeds of '23 (30.9, 30.4)
The Reds' longest home run of '23 (458)
MLB's fastest home-to-3rd time of '23 (10.83) pic.twitter.com/mYIkaUBziN
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) June 8, 2023

After doubling in his MLB debut Tuesday, De La Cruz had his coming-out party against the Dodgers on Wednesday, securing his first home run and triple in a Reds uniform.

Elly De La Cruz casually goes 458 feet for his first MLB career home run... pic.twitter.com/diImkK58YP
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) June 7, 2023

The shortstop smashed his first career homer in the first inning. Cruz's mammoth shot traveled 458 feet. According to ESPN Stats and Info, since 2008, only six players have hit their first home run farther than Cruz.

After impressing with the power, Cruz flashed his blazing speed, legging out a triple in the bottom of the third. Making Cruz's feat even more impressive, he made it from home to third in 10.83 seconds, the fastest clocked time in all of baseball this season.

ELLY DE LA CRUZ TRIPLE

10.83 SECONDS HOMEE-TO-THIRD

THAT’S THE FASTEST-TRACKED HOME-TO-THIRD TIME IN MLB THIS SEASON

AND 2ND-FASTEST SINCE START OF 2020 (Corbin Carroll 10.75 sec, 10/3/22) https://t.co/UzPnz53Ki2
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) June 8, 2023

The 21-year-old turned heads earlier this season in the minors, showcasing his unreal strength. During a three-hit night in May for Reds Triple-A affiliate, the Louisville Bats, Cruz smashed two home runs and a double clocked at 118.8 mph, the fastest ball hit in both the minor and major leagues at the time.

The 6-foot-5, 200-pounder couldn't have gotten off to a better start after finally getting the call to the big leagues. It should be interesting to see what Cruz has in store for the remainder of the season and what his presence could mean for the future of the Reds (29-33), who sit 4.5 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers (33-28) for the lead in the National League Central division.

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