In a surprising turn of events, Reds star Elly De La Cruz has reportedly declined a contract offer that would have positioned him as the highest-paid player in the franchise's history.
As he walked off the field for the last time this season, De La Cruz reflected on the experience, saying, "It was fun. It was my first time in the postseason, and I enjoyed it. We need to work hard next year because there’s a lot we can improve on, and I’m excited to return next season."
When asked about the significance of his teammates, he expressed heartfelt appreciation, stating, "This group means a lot to me. We stuck together until the end, and I value every player in this room. I hope the fans who wear my jersey understand that we’re going to get better and achieve something special next year."
Updated on January 17, 2026, at 2:53 PM EST
According to Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall, the 24-year-old shortstop was presented with an offer during Spring Training in 2025 that exceeded Joey Votto's record-setting 10-year, $225 million contract from 2012. Krall stated, "We engaged in Spring Training of 2025 and presented an offer that would have been the largest in Reds history. However, we did not continue discussions about it."
While Krall did not disclose the reasons behind De La Cruz's decision to turn down the offer, the player himself, attending Redsfest, chose not to comment on the contract, indicating that he prefers to let his agent manage such matters. Despite this rejection, De La Cruz is not expected to leave the team anytime soon; he is under contract until 2029 and will be eligible for arbitration for the first time in 2027, which could provide him with an opportunity to negotiate a higher salary.
The specifics of the offer, including its duration, were not revealed by Krall. De La Cruz, a two-time All-Star, has made a name for himself with his impressive batting skills, having led the Reds in home runs during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He also topped the league in stolen bases in 2024.
In the 2025 season, he hit 22 home runs and recorded 86 RBIs across 162 games, making him the only player to participate in every game that year. His batting average stood at .264, with an OPS of .776. However, his defensive skills have raised some concerns, as he led the league in fielding errors for two consecutive seasons.
Standing at 6'5", De La Cruz is among the tallest players to ever play shortstop. He began his journey with the Reds after being signed to the Dominican Summer League in his home country in 2018. He progressed through the Reds' minor league system before making his major league debut in 2023.
Interestingly, last year, the Reds also extended a lucrative five-year, $125 million contract offer to Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies, which would have surpassed Votto's annual salary record if accepted. However, Schwarber, a native of Middletown, Ohio, ultimately chose to re-sign with the Phillies through 2030.
What do you think about De La Cruz's decision to turn down such a significant offer? Is it a wise move for his career, or could it be a missed opportunity? Share your thoughts!
