In a thrilling moment during Wednesday’s matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays, Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz made a daring move by stealing third base in the fifth inning.
This impressive steal not only contributed to De La Cruz’s remarkable season but also earned him a spot in the MLB history books. With this steal, De La Cruz achieved his 60th stolen base of the season, solidifying his position as one of the elite players in the league. Additionally, his 21 home runs make him only the fifth player in MLB history to achieve the impressive milestone of 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season, all in just his second year in the MLB.
The pivotal steal occurred during a tense moment in the game, with Toronto leading 6-5 and only one out in the inning. De La Cruz’s swift actions allowed him to tie the game at 6-6, eventually leading the Reds to a triumphant 11-7 victory.
De La Cruz’s exceptional performance this season has earned him a well-deserved spot among baseball legends such as Ronald Acuña Jr, Eric Davis, Rickey Henderson, and Joe Morgan, all of whom have achieved the impressive 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases milestone in a single season. With his remarkable speed and skill, De La Cruz has the potential to reach an incredible 70 stolen bases, with 35 games left in the season for him to further showcase his talent.
New rules lead to increased stolen bases
Recent rule changes in 2023 have contributed to the resurgence of stolen bases in the MLB. These changes include slightly shorter basepaths and limitations on pick-off attempts by pitchers, designed to encourage more aggressive baserunning and increase the excitement of the game.
Players like De La Cruz and Acuña have capitalized on these rule changes, showcasing their speed and agility on the field. With the season far from over, fans can expect more thrilling moments as players push the boundaries and aim for new records.