Of course, no one could have guessed De La Cruz, 21, would grow to have three top-ranked tools (arm, speed and power).
So when Jimenez called Arias, he recommended what he saw: worth a flyer on a raw, uber-skinny kid who had a trainer for an agent and a deep desire to sign immediately. “What really caught my eye was how he handled the bat,” Jimenez said. He signed him on the spot, with Arias’ OK.
“Richard did a great job. The kid has a great body and is athletic,” Arias recalled. “He had bat speed, but didn’t have any strength.” That “flyer” is drawing only raves now and is projected to be a “top five” player in the bigs, according to yet another scout. The only real issue is the Reds, believe it or not, may have too many good infielders and may need to guard against playing kids out of position.
De La Cruz is starting off at third, as a fellow top rookie Matt McLain is manning shortstop. Jose Barrero who came up as a shortstop phenom in 2020 is falling on the charts and playing some center field. Former No. 2-overall pick Nick Senzel, who was drafted as an infielder, has played a lot of outfield, but was manning third when his injury gave the Reds the opening to summon De La Cruz.
De La Cruz’s speed could mean he ultimately will fit best in center. For now, the big debate in Cincinnati is whether former Rookie of the Year Jonathan India, who’s playing second, needs to go to alleviate the logjam. But, Krall said: “India is a leader in our clubhouse. I have limited interest in trading him. I’d rather have too many good players than not enough.”
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