Elly De La Cruz, a 21-year-old infielder for the Cincinnati Reds, has swiftly become one of the most captivating stories in baseball this year. Despite having only spent 20 days in the major leagues. In an incredibly short span of time, De La Cruz has managed to compile a highlight reel that rivals a full season’s worth of accomplishments. The Reds embarked on their first 12-game winning streak since 1957, propelling them to the top of the NL Central standings, while De La Cruz’s on-field exploits have catapulted him to viral stardom. Can Elly De La Cruz catch Corbin Carroll?
However, it’s worth noting the missed opportunity of De La Cruz’s first two months in the season. In contrast, Corbin Carroll, an outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks, made an impact on opening day and has been consistently impressive throughout the season. The current odds for the NL Rookie of the Year at BetMGM indicate that De La Cruz has a considerable gap to close if he wants to challenge Carroll.
Carroll is presently the overwhelming favorite, with odds of -500 to win the award. He is currently second only to Ronald Acuna Jr. in the NL MVP odds, having delivered an outstanding performance on the field. In comparison, De La Cruz’s odds for NL Rookie of the Year have risen to +500. A testament to the excitement he has generated in his short time in the majors. Standing at 6’5″ with exceptional power and blazing speed, De La Cruz embodies the qualities that make him perfect for the social media age, as his breathtaking highlights continue to captivate fans.
The other players in the NL Rookie of the Year race, including Francisco Alvarez of the New York Mets and Eury Perez of the Miami Marlins, are all considered longshots with odds of 50-to-1 or higher. Thus, it is apparent that the competition is primarily between Carroll and De La Cruz. Perhaps even more so, just a one-man race favoring Carroll.
For De La Cruz to have a chance at catching up to Carroll. He would need to maintain an exceptional level of performance over the next four months, while also hoping for a slump or injury from Carroll. Even if Carroll’s pace declines, his impressive start of 16 home runs and 23 stolen bases in the Diamondbacks. First 79 games provides him with a solid foundation for the remainder of the season.
While De La Cruz’s surge in odds reflects the attention he has garnered. Mainly due to the delayed call-up by the Reds in June, it is unlikely that he has a realistic chance of winning the Rookie of the Year award. Nevertheless, if De La Cruz continues to shine on the field and the Reds emerge as victors in the NL Central, his remarkable performance may end up being the defining storyline of the season. Even if another player ultimately claims the NL Rookie of the Year honor.
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