The Cincinnati Reds’ shortstop Elly De La Cruz is now a member of one of the most elite MLB clubs. In an 11-7 win over the Toronto Blue Jays, De La Cruz became just the fifth player in league history to get 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season.
De La Cruz entered the game against the Blue Jays with 59 stolen bases and 21 homers for the season. He officially entered his name in the 20-60 club in the fifth inning, stealing a third base before adding a home run in the eighth inning.
De La Cruz joined Ronald Acuna Jr., Eric Davis, Rickey Henderson, and Joe Morgan on the list of players with 60 stolen bases and 20 home runs in a single campaign. Before Acuna achieved the feat last season en route to MVP honors, the last player to do it was Henderson in 1990. Morgan and Davis also played for the Reds when they joined the club.
“It means a lot,” said De La Cruz after the Blue Jays’ game. “That’s why I’m working in the offseason. I feel so proud and so happy.”
Elly De La Cruz is currently in his second season in the majors. After an up-and-down rookie year, he emerged as one of the most dynamic players in the MLB in 2024 and earned an All-Star nod. Aside from 60 stolen bases and 22 homers, he has a .262 batting average and 56 RBIs.
