I was one of the many who had some skepticism regarding Elly De La Cruz ($6,200; 42 FPTS) entering this season. He struck out 33.7% of the time last season with a 12.3% swinging strike rate. Sure, he hit 13 home runs and stole 35 bases with his 99th percentile sprint speed, but we’ve seen this movie before, right? One cannot steal bases or hit balls into the bleachers if one cannot get bat to ball.
What I should’ve been focused on was the 91.2 mph exit velocity, decent chase rate of 32.4% and 82.9% contact rate in the zone as a 21-year-old playing in his rookie MLB season.
Entering Monday’s game against the Marlins, De La Cruz had 18 home runs and a whopping 57 stolen bases in 469 plate appearances. The strikeout rate is still high at 30.5%, but the walk rate is 10.4% and the ISO is .218.
On Monday, De La Cruz continued to make a mockery of MLB, going 4-for-5 with two home runs, two doubles, three RBI and three runs scored, leading the Reds to the 10-3 win in Miami.
Ty France ($2,800; 22 FPTS) went 3-for-5 with a double and a home run while Noelvi Marte ($2,900; 16 FPTS) hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning. Nick Martinez ($6,900; 22.25 FPTS) was solid on the mound for Cincinnati, striking out five in five innings without issuing a walk or allowing an earned run on four hits.
Miami racked up 11 hits, but were only able to score three runs. Jesus Sanchez ($3,600; 14 FPTS) hit a solo home run in the sixth inning.
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