Elly De La Cruz Named Hank Aaron Award Finalist
The Cincinnati shortstop earned recognition after a standout 2026 season featuring career-best offensive metrics.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Baseball
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Cincinnati standout Elly De La Cruz has been named a finalist for the National League Hank Aaron Award. The honor, which recognizes the best offensive player in each league, follows a 2026 campaign where he reached the 30/30 club.
Why it matters
The nomination marks a significant milestone in De La Cruz's professional development since his 2023 debut. His performance in the 2026 season highlights a sharp increase in batting consistency and offensive power.
De La Cruz finished the season with a career-best .283 batting average, up 19 points from his 2025 high. He also recorded a .365 on-base percentage, a .515 slugging percentage, and committed 18 defensive errors.
The players
Elly De La Cruz
He is a professional baseball shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds who debuted in the major leagues in 2023.
The details
De La Cruz entered the 30/30 club by hitting 30 home runs and stealing 30 bases during the 2026 season. His late-season surge was bolstered by increased confidence, particularly during his performance in September.
Timeline
The Hank Aaron Award was introduced in 1999.
Elly De La Cruz started his MLB career in 2023.
De La Cruz set his previous career high batting average in 2025.
The finalist announcement occurred on Monday.
De La Cruz will enter his age-25 season in 2027.
Season Trajectory
Being named a finalist for the Hank Aaron Award cements De La Cruz's status as a premier offensive force in the National League. This recognition sets the stage for his upcoming age-25 season and reflects his growth within the competitive landscape of professional baseball.
The nomination highlights De La Cruz's shift to a high-value asset, with his projected arbitration salary reaching $8 million for 2027. His offensive production in 2026, marked by a .283 average and 30/30 milestone, positions him as a cornerstone player for the Cincinnati lineup.
The takeaway
De La Cruz's development demonstrates the impact of consistent plate discipline and confidence on long-term career growth. Fans should note that his trajectory suggests significant potential for continued production in his upcoming age-25 season.
What happens next
Elly De La Cruz is expected to earn a salary of $8 million for the 2027 season as he moves through the arbitration process.
Further reading
For more on the current standing of the team, visit Cincinnati Baseball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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