Boras Says Reds Must Adapt to Keep Stars
Superagent Scott Boras questioned the Cincinnati Reds' business approach while discussing Elly De La Cruz's reported rejection of a contract extension.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Baseball
Live Poll
Do you think the Reds can keep their best players long-term?
Scott Boras, an MLB superagent, said at the general manager meetings in Las Vegas that the Cincinnati Reds need to adapt their business approach to keep star players. Elly De La Cruz, one of the game's best shortstops, reportedly turned down a Reds contract extension.
Why it matters
Boras argued that clubs must adjust because competitors operate differently, and that teams can bring in outside capital and outside people to pursue talent. The comments put pressure on Cincinnati's front office as one of its most prominent young players remains under team control.
The reported offer would have topped Joey Votto's 10-year, $225 million contract, the largest in Reds history. De La Cruz is under team control through 2029, and the terms of any future extension remain unreported.
The players
Scott Boras
Scott Boras is a prominent MLB superagent who represents many of the league's top players and frequently comments on team contracting strategy.
Elly De La Cruz
Elly De La Cruz is a Cincinnati Reds shortstop widely regarded as one of the game's best young players at his position.
The details
Boras spoke to reporters at the general manager meetings in Las Vegas but did not offer a specific plan for Cincinnati. He said baseball's system gives teams options to pursue talent, including bringing in outside capital.
Timeline
November 12, 2026: Boras questions the Reds' business model at the general manager meetings in Las Vegas.
Through 2029: Elly De La Cruz remains under Reds team control.
Season Trajectory
The reported rejection places De La Cruz's future with Cincinnati in question and tests whether the Reds can retain young stars the way they did with Joey Votto's franchise-record contract. Boras's remarks signal that the club's competitive position in future free-agent and extension markets will depend on how it adapts its spending approach.
Fantasy managers tracking De La Cruz should note that his future with Cincinnati remains uncertain until a new contract or trade is resolved. The reported rejection leaves his team control in place through 2029 without a long-term deal.
The takeaway
Teams that want to keep homegrown stars may need to match the financial structures competitors use, a point Boras argued directly. Fans should watch whether Cincinnati responds with a revised offer before De La Cruz's control window narrows.
Further reading
Explore more Baseball coverage on Wisevoter for the latest on Cincinnati's roster and front-office moves.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKRC.
Live Poll
Do you think the Reds can keep their best players long-term?
