30-30 for Elly! De La Cruz latest Reds player to reach exclusive club

Cincinnati Reds star shortstop Elly De La Cruz has etched his name in Reds history by becoming the fourth player in franchise lore to achieve the remarkable 30-30 mark, recording 30 home runs and 30 steals in a single season. The impressive feat was solidified on September 24 in Atlanta, where De La Cruz smashed his 30th homer off former Reds pitcher Tyler Mahle, subsequently stealing third base on the following pitch.

This historic milestone joins the ranks of former teammates Eric Davis (1987), Barry Larkin (1996), and Brandon Phillips (2007). De La Cruz, who led the National League in steals with 67 in 2024, had already amassed 25 homers before the season-threatening hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for nearly a month in June. The 30-30 achievement marks a career-high for De La Cruz, who has been a standout player since the All-Star break, amassing a team record nine home runs in just 21 games this month.

Reflecting on the significance of the milestone, De La Cruz expressed pure enjoyment, stating, "I enjoy every moment every time I have the opportunity to go out there and have fun."