Elly De La Cruz surpasses Pete Rose on historic Reds list

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz. Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Elly De La Cruz surpasses Pete Rose on historic Reds list

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Apr 22, 2026 1:07 AM ET

It has been the Elly De La Cruz show for the Cincinnati Reds early this season as he has been tapping into increased right-handed power.

The shortstop put on extra weight (12-15 pounds) to bolster his power potential at the plate. This has paid off as he recorded his sixth career multi-home run game against the Tampa Bay Rays on April 21.

In addition, he has made Reds history by recording the most multi-home run games by a switch-hitter, beating Pete Rose.

The Reds have remained competitive in the NL Central with a stronger performance in late April.

Sixth career multi-homer game for Elly, he surpasses Pete Rose for most by a switch hitter in franchise history ⚡️@ellylacocoa18 pic.twitter.com/3wFKrKklhk
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) April 22, 2026

Unleashed right-handed power coming alive

De La Cruz has eight bombs on the season, making a dynamite impact, which has been backed up by an elite exit velocity and bat speed. According to Baseball Savant, he ranks in the 96th percentile with a 94.7% average exit velocity and a bat speed of 75 mph, which ranks in the 86th percentile.

With the power he has unleashed, he has been performing like a slugger. Since April 11, he's been slugging over .500, which is a major improvement from 2025 (.440).

"The Cruiser" has also recorded a 9.8% walk-rate and 130 wRC+, according to FanGraphs, illustrating his solid plate discipline.

The two-time All-Star, who has six steals and a .914 OPS this season, has solidified himself as an offensive threat on the basepaths. He continues to carry the momentum as one of the fastest players in MLB, with sprint speeds reaching 27.9 ft/sec.

All in all, the power/speed combination he possesses makes him a unique talent in the Reds organization.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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