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Healed, Stronger Elly De La Cruz Targets 2026 Bounce-Back for Reds

He reports full health with roughly 15 added pounds following extensive rehab plus near-daily workouts.

Overview

  • Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall said De La Cruz played much of the 2025 second half with a partially torn quad that affected his production.
  • He finished 2025 at .264 with 25 home runs and a .777 OPS, but his post–All-Star numbers fell to a .236 average with four homers.
  • De La Cruz says he is healed and now around 217 pounds, roughly 15 heavier than last season after focused upper-body work and sustained rehab.
  • Team staff and local reporter Charlie Clifford observed intensive sessions at Great American Ball Park, including near-daily workouts after the season.
  • Cincinnati added designated hitter Eugenio Suarez, which De La Cruz says should provide more lineup protection in 2026.