Elly De La Cruz's historic start builds an early MVP case

While the 2026 MLB season is far from over, one player is already putting together a momentous season that makes his case as an early MVP contender. 

It may take an historic campaign to unseat Los Angeles Dodgers legend Shohei Ohtani, who has won the award in three consecutive seasons since moving over to the National League in 2024, but that is exactly the type of season Cincinnati Reds short-stop Elly De La Cruz is having to this point. 

Elly De La Cruz is in the midst of historic season 

In addition to becoming the first Reds player to hit 10 home runs before May since Baseball Hall of Famer Tony Perez did it in 1970, De La Cruz has also achieved an accomplishment new to MLB in the modern era. 

With 10 home runs and eight stolen bases as of April 29, De La Cruz owns the honor as being the first player since 1900 to reach at least 10 home runs and swipe at least eight bags before the calendar turns to May, making his season unique for the last 126 years. 

Beyond his rare blend of power and speed, De La Cruz has a slash line and metrics that support his case as well. He has a .291 batting average, a .362 OBP and a .590 slugging percentage, all fugues that would mark career highs if continued throughout the entire season.