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Zach Pressnell is a Newsweek contributor based in Columbus, Ohio. His focus is MLB content. He has an extensive knowledge of professional baseball and all things that come with it after working closely with the sport for years. Zach has been with Newsweek since November 2024 and previously worked at FanSided and OnSI. He is a graduate of Bethany College (WV). You can get in touch with Zach by emailing z.pressnell@newsweek.com.
Zach Pressnell
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Cincinnati Reds are in the midst of a very competitive postseason push with the New York Mets. Both clubs are vying for the final National League wild-card spot. The Mets have $760 million Juan Soto and a roster worth over a billion dollars. On the other hand, the Reds have Elly De La Cruz and one of the lowest payrolls in baseball.
The Reds’ offense tends to only go as far as De La Cruz goes. Fortunately for Cincinnati, De La Cruz has been excellent for most of the season, and as a result, the Reds are in postseason contention in late August.
But the concerning piece with De La Cruz this season has been his stolen bases and speed. He’s on pace to steal about 40 bases this season, which isn’t a bad number, but he stole 67 bases a year ago. His sprint speed is slightly down, too.
This concern stems from a reported quad injury that has hampered De La Cruz for most of the season, but it hasn’t been enough to keep him out of the lineup. The Reds’ superstar has appeared in every game for the Reds this season.
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
He recently sent a message to the fans, media, and the baseball world regarding his injury.
“We’re getting better,” De La Cruz said following the Reds’ win over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night.
On Tuesday night, De La Cruz looked as fast, agile, and explosive as ever, as he scored from first base on a single against the Angels. Earlier in the game, he scored from first base on a bloop double that he had no business scoring on either.
The Reds are going to need him to be in the best shape possible for their postseason run. As all Cincinnati fans know, this team will only go as far as De La Cruz helps take them.
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