The Cincinnati Reds are open to trading shortstop Elly De La Cruz this offseason, according to longtime MLB insider Jim Bowden.
De La Cruz, 24, just finished a strong campaign in which he hit .283 with a .880 OPS and a 142 OPS+, meaning his production ran 42% above the league average. He also went deep 30 times and swiped 30 bases while posting 5.6 bWAR for a club that finished 75-87 and last in the National League Central.
The switch-hitting Dominican is now arbitration-eligible for the first time. MLB Trade Rumors projects him to earn $7.9 million in 2027. That figure is modest relative to his output, yet it still represents a major jump from the roughly league-minimum salary he made in 2026.
For a small-market franchise like Cincinnati, the rising cost creates a decision point. The Reds have already failed to lock De La Cruz up on a long-term deal that would have made him the highest-paid player in franchise history. With three seasons of control remaining after this winter, the window to extract maximum value is narrowing.
Bowden addressed the situation on the D-Mac and Reiter show.
“Absolutely, I do (think the Reds will consider trading De La Cruz),” he said. “Does it make sense? Sure. For the Reds, what makes sense, like the Nationals with (James) Wood and (C) Abrams, they should be trying to sign these guys. But if you can’t, don’t let them get to free agency or a year from free agency. Trade them now while you can get a huge package and can get a competitive team. This kind of trade makes sense for the Reds and the (Los Angeles) Dodgers. The Dodgers need to be thinking about their next superstar player.”
The comparison to the Nationals’ approach with young stars is pointed. Cincinnati’s farm system currently ranks near the bottom of the league, with Baseball America placing it 28th. A deal that returns multiple high-end prospects could accelerate a rebuild while the major-league roster remains short of contender status.
De La Cruz’s combination of power, speed and athleticism makes him one of the most attractive trade chips available. Contending clubs with shortstop needs or the financial flexibility to absorb his future salaries are expected to inquire. The Dodgers have already been linked to the idea in recent reports.
Any trade would almost certainly require a package resembling the one the Nationals received for Juan Soto in 2022. That kind of haul is rare, but De La Cruz’s age, remaining control and recent 30-30 season give the Reds leverage if they decide to listen.
The Reds finished 28 games behind the division-winning Brewers and were eliminated from playoff contention in mid-September. Their offense ranked near the bottom of the league in several key categories, underscoring the gap between De La Cruz’s individual production and the team’s overall results.
Moving the shortstop would free roughly $8 million in 2027 payroll and potentially more in subsequent arbitration years. That money could be redirected toward pitching or complementary bats, though it would also leave a sizable hole at a premium position.
No formal talks have been confirmed, and the Reds have not indicated they are actively shopping De La Cruz. Bowden’s comments, however, signal that the idea is at least under consideration as the offseason begins.
De La Cruz becomes a free agent after the 2029 season under current rules. If an extension remains off the table, trading him in the next two winters would maximize the return before his value declines as free agency approaches.
The situation mirrors recent decisions other clubs have faced with emerging stars. Whether Cincinnati chooses to retain its centerpiece or cash in for a prospect influx will shape the franchise’s direction through the rest of the decade.
