Elly De La Cruz and Andrew Abbott: Reds’ Young Stars Shine Before All-Star Break

By Oliver Wiener July 10, 2025 09:28

The Cincinnati Reds have found two bright young stars in Elly De La Cruz and Andrew Abbott, who have been pivotal in the team's surge heading into the 2025 All-Star break. Their performances not only highlight their individual talents but also signal a promising future for the Reds franchise.

On July 9, 2025, Abbott delivered a masterful pitching performance against the Miami Marlins, shutting them out for seven innings and helping the Reds snap a four-game losing streak with a 7-2 victory. Abbott, who was named an All-Star just a day prior, allowed only one run on six hits and two walks, striking out five batters. His command and efficiency on the mound were evident as he maintained a 2.07 ERA and improved his record to 8-1 for the season. Abbott’s ability to "fill up the zone" and his improved changeup have been key to his success, as noted by teammate Nick Lodolo: “He just pitches. He never gives in. You know what you’re going to get”.

Meanwhile, Elly De La Cruz has been the offensive catalyst for the Reds. In the same game against Miami, De La Cruz hit two RBI doubles, sparking early runs that set the tone for Cincinnati’s offense. His blend of power, speed, and baseball IQ makes him one of the most exciting players in the league. This season, De La Cruz has been a consistent force, batting .277 with an .836 OPS, 18 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases in 90 games. He leads all qualified shortstops in homers, runs scored, RBIs, and slugging percentage. Manager Terry Francona praised his growth, saying, “He’s doing that. He’s growing up... If we see it within the confines of the game, it’s really going to be special”.

De La Cruz’s resilience has been notable as well. Despite playing through a sore hamstring and coping with the loss of his older sister in late May, he maintained a high level of performance, including a home run in honor of his sister. His recent hot streak batting over .310 with 10 home runs since mid-May has helped the Reds stay competitive in the crowded National League Wild Card race.

The synergy between Abbott’s pitching and De La Cruz’s hitting has been a key factor in Cincinnati’s recent successes. Abbott’s control and durability complement De La Cruz’s dynamic offensive game, creating a balanced threat on both sides. The Reds’ manager Terry Francona, nearing his 2,000th managerial win, has expressed confidence in this young core, highlighting their importance to the team’s present and future.

Statistically, Abbott has been remarkably consistent, surrendering more than one earned run in only three of his 16 starts. De La Cruz, meanwhile, continues to refine his approach at the plate, particularly his ability to handle the changeup, which has added a new dimension to his offensive arsenal.

As the Reds head into the second half of the season, the performances of De La Cruz and Abbott will be critical. With the team hovering around .500 and in the thick of the NL Wild Card race, their continued excellence could be the difference-maker in Cincinnati’s playoff push.

Elly De La Cruz and Andrew Abbott are not just the Reds’ young stars they are the foundation of a team on the rise, combining talent, resilience, and leadership that bode well for the future. Their All-Star selections and standout performances before the break underscore their status as key figures in the National League and the heart of Cincinnati’s baseball hopes.