Graham Ashcraft Praises Elly De La Cruz: 'Dude's Just a Spark'

The 21-year-old is a big piece of the Reds present and future.

CINCINNATI — Elly De La Cruz quickly became one of the biggest stars in baseball last season. 

From hitting for the cycle to stealing home, the 21-year-old is electric. He's one of the rare must-watch players in the game today. 

Reds starting pitcher Graham Ashcraft agrees. He recently praised De La Cruz during an appearance on MLB Network. 

"You watch this kid play ball. Seeing somebody that fast run is insane," Ashcraft said. "When he stole home against the Brewers, we were all sitting there watching him, stole third base and you're like alright.' He starts walking a little bit, takes his helmet off, he keeps walking and you're like 'don't do it.' And next thing you know, he takes off and he was safe."

De La Cruz hit 13 home runs and posted a .235 batting average with 44 RBI and 35 stolen bases after he joined the big league club in June. He started hot, but struggled down the stretch. That's common for a young player, but there's no denying his potential or his talent. 

"The dude's just a spark. That's the best way to put it," Ashcraft said. "He gives you that little energy that's gonna get everybody going just cause you never know when he's gonna make a diving play, throw the ball 100 [miles per hour] across the infield or steal a base that we need."

For more on De La Cruz, go here. Watch Ashcraft's entire interview below:

The @Reds have one of the most promising young rotations in the game.

RHP Graham Ashcraft joined us on #MLBNHotStove to talk through the dynamic amongst the pitching staff and more. pic.twitter.com/3JcnbAWMXC

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 7, 2023

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