“Best shortstop”: Elly De La Cruz to beat Mookie Betts and Francisco Lindor in MLB’s top-three shortstop list

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Feb 25, 2025, 21:00 IST

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Philadelphia Phillies star Trevor Plouffe believes Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds can surpass top shortstops Mookie Betts and Francisco Lindor. Highlighting Cruz's impressive 2024 season stats, Plouffe emphasizes Cruz's potential to be a top-three player, citing his all-around game abilities.

“Best shortstop”: Elly De La Cruz to beat Mookie Betts and Francisco Lindor in MLB’s top-three shortstop list

GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 18: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds poses for a portrait during photo day at the Cincinnati Reds Player Development Complex on February 18, 2025 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

The Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz has better chances to beat Francisco Lindor and Mookie Betts than any other player in the list of top three shortstops in the league. That's not something that just fans feel, but also Philadelphia Phillies star Trevor Plouffe.

Trevor Plouffe finds Elly De La Cruz better than Mookie Betts and Francisco Lindor

On Monday, Philadelphia Phillies star Trevor Plouffe made a major claim during an episode of the "Baseball Today" podcast. Plouffe talked about Elly De La Cruz's impressive MLB career and how the Phillies star feels that the Reds' shortstop can beat Mookie Betts and Francisco Lindor in the top three rankings. Opening up about the same, Plouffe said:
"I think he will end up being a top-three shortstop in the league over Mookie Betts and maybe over Francisco Lindor. He doesn't have a flaw in his game, like he can run. He's gonna get value, and with his legs, guys stole 67 freaking bags last year. Okay, value in his legs. He can hit, and he can play defense."

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"He's getting value in all three places. If he makes just a minimal jump in that category (strike zone recognition) he could be the best shortstop in the league, he has that potential. I love Bobby Witt Jr. and I can say the same things that I say about Elly. He's getting value all over the place," Plouffe further added.
Elly De La Cruz gave the Cincinnati Reds the best start of the season by hitting off some impressive performances at the Spring Training game against the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday. In the first inning, Cruz aced a high-flying solo home run, and did it again, three innings later.
Elly De La Cruz is hoping to carry forward his 2024 MLB season's performance in the new season. The Reds star played 160 games in 2024 and collected a total of 218 strikeouts. Moreover, he also batted at .259/.339/.471 with 67 stolen bases and 25 homers.
Earlier this week, Elly De La Cruz made headlines when he revealed his major goals for the 2025 MLB season, as the Cincinnati Reds focus on qualifying for the Playoffs and getting their hands on the World Series Championship.

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TOI Sports Desk

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