Reds top prospect Elly De La Cruz has made headlines after blasting the hardest hit ball of the season at Triple-A or MLB levels. The 21-year-old outfielder hit a 122.2 mph line drive during a game on Sunday, which was well above the previous season high of 119.5 mph set by Yankees slugger Aaron Judge.
De La Cruz’s impressive feat came during a game with the Louisville Bats, the Reds’ Triple-A affiliate. He hit the ball so hard that it cleared the left-field wall before the outfielder could even react. It was a mammoth home run that showcased the young star’s impressive power and potential.
The Dominican Republic native was signed by the Reds as an international free agent in 2018 and has quickly risen through the team’s minor league system. He spent last season with the Dayton Dragons in Class A and has quickly adjusted to Triple-A ball, hitting .294/.353/.545 with 11 home runs and 44 RBI in 55 games.
De La Cruz’s hard-hitting performance is an exciting development for a Reds team that has struggled in recent years. The franchise has not made it to the postseason since 2013, and is hoping that their young talent will help turn things around.
With his impressive power, De La Cruz could be the answer the Reds have been looking for to bolster their offense. The team has struggled to score runs this season, ranking 22nd in the league in runs scored. If De La Cruz can continue to improve his hitting and make an impact at the major league level, he could help the Reds climb up the rankings and compete for a playoff spot.
Of course, hitting the hardest ball of the season is just one moment in De La Cruz’s young career. He still has a long way to go before he can be considered a true star, and there are plenty of challenges he will face along the way. But his impressive talent and ability to hit balls out of the ballpark certainly make him one to watch in the coming years.
Overall, Reds fans have reason to be excited about the future with Elly De La Cruz in their system. His hard-hitting performance on Sunday was just one glimpse of the potential he has to become a star in Cincinnati.
