Reds Could Be Preparing Huge Contract Extension for Star Shortstop Elly De La Cruz
The Cincinnati Reds could be considering a massive long-term contract extension for their electrifying young shortstop Elly De La Cruz, according to recent insider speculation.
The Reds currently have plenty on their agenda as they prepare for the upcoming season, particularly after a recent injury to ace pitcher Hunter Greene disrupted their Opening Day plans. However, despite those challenges, the organization may also be using this period to address another important matter—securing the long-term futures of several of their most talented young players.
With a roster built around promising talent, Cincinnati could look to finalize contract extensions for players such as De La Cruz and top prospect Sal Stewart, among others who still have multiple years of arbitration remaining.
Reds Already Held Talks Over Possible Extension
Former MLB general manager and current analyst Jim Bowden recently suggested that the Reds might already be working behind the scenes to reach a long-term agreement with De La Cruz. Writing for The Athletic, Bowden revealed that meaningful discussions between the player and the franchise have already taken place.
Bowden noted that several emerging stars across Major League Baseball are currently viewed as candidates for early extensions. Those names include Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles, Junior Caminero from the Tampa Bay Rays, and James Wood of the Washington Nationals.
Bowden added that Cincinnati appears particularly interested in locking down De La Cruz, stating that the organization has already held substantial conversations with the player about a potential long-term deal.
Negotiations between the two sides reportedly took place last offseason as well, but they were unable to reach an agreement at that time. Now, circumstances may be slightly different, although the financial challenge for Cincinnati could be greater than it was a year ago.
What a De La Cruz Extension Could Look Like
At present, the Reds maintain control of De La Cruz through the 2029 season, giving them considerable leverage during negotiations. Because of this, a long-term deal would essentially allow Cincinnati to buy out the four arbitration years remaining on his contract while also securing several additional seasons beyond that.
If De La Cruz were to reach free agency in 2030, he could potentially command a salary approaching $40 million annually, especially if his performance continues to trend upward. That projection means a contract extension lasting around 10 years and worth roughly $330 million could make sense from the Reds’ perspective.
Such a deal would provide De La Cruz with financial security while allowing Cincinnati to keep one of the league’s most exciting young players well into the next decade.
Why a Deal May Be Difficult to Finalize
Despite the potential benefits of an extension, there is one significant factor that could prevent an agreement from happening: De La Cruz’s agent, Scott Boras.
Boras has built a reputation across Major League Baseball for guiding his clients toward free agency rather than encouraging them to sign early extensions. His strategy typically involves allowing superstar players to reach the open market, where big-spending franchises can compete for their services.
If De La Cruz were to enter free agency, wealthy teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers or the New York Mets would likely emerge as serious bidders. That level of competition could drive the price significantly higher than what Cincinnati might be comfortable offering.
Still, an extension cannot be completely ruled out. A contract exceeding $300 million over a decade could be attractive enough to capture the attention of both Boras and De La Cruz.
The bigger question, however, is whether the Reds would be willing to commit to such a massive financial investment. Cincinnati has traditionally been cautious with spending, and handing out a contract of that magnitude would represent a major shift in the franchise’s typical approach.
For now, the possibility remains intriguing—but far from certain.
