Elly De La Cruz’s Arbitration Applies Pressure to the Reds

Writer Jay Staph argues that star shortstop Elly De La Cruz entering salary arbitration places immediate pressure on the Cincinnati Reds to contend. After finishing 75-87 in 2026, the Reds face escalating arbitration costs for De La Cruz, who is projected to earn over $8.5 million this offseason. With De La Cruz reportedly turning down past extension offers and scheduled to hit free agency at age 27, Staph notes that Cincinnati's competitive window with him may be brief.

Staph contends that the Reds must act aggressively in free agency to support their young core, which also features Sal Stewart and Chase Burns. Because Cincinnati's farm system ranks among the weakest in baseball, Staph suggests targeting cost-effective veterans such as pitchers Shane Bieber, Zach Eflin, or Clay Holmes, as well as outfielder Randal Grichuk, to build an immediate playoff contender before their stars become unaffordable.