'He's a Once in a Generation Kinda Player' - Phil Castellini Weighs in on Elly De La Cruz's Future With Reds

This doesn't sound too encouraging.
Phil Castellini, president and CEO of the Reds, greets media and guests, to an event to introduce Terry Francona as the new manager of the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024.
Phil Castellini, president and CEO of the Reds, greets media and guests, to an event to introduce Terry Francona as the new manager of the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. / Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In this story:

Will the Reds sign Elly De La Cruz to a long-term contract?

Reds President and CEO Phil Castellini answered that question in a conversation with WLWT's Charlie Clifford.

"We would obviously love to make guys like that franchise guys," Castellini said. "That is something Nick (Krall) and his group are going to have to deal with at some point in the future. He's a special player and only time will tell what will happen."

Castellini admitted that signing De La Cruz would be much easier said than done.

"Where the game is today and the economics around it, it could be a challenge," he said. "But those are decisions that Nick will have to make down the road."

He's well aware of the chance they have to win now—especially with a superstar like De La Cruz.

"You just want to take full advantage of a guy like that," Castellini continued. "He is a once in a generation player and the fact that we have him is amazing."

Watch the full clip below:

Make sure you bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!

You May Also Like:

Cincinnati Reds Release Tribute Video Honoring Pete Rose Following His Death

Pete Rose Shared POWERFUL Thoughts on Possible Hall of Fame Induction Before He Died

Cincinnati Reds Star Matt McLain is Healthy, to Play in Arizona Fall League

Report: Cincinnati Reds Rule Out Six Popular Managerial Candidates

Cincinnati Reds Expected to Target Two Candidates for Manager Job, Including Former Red

Cincinnati Reds Expected to “Aggressively Pursue” Trade for 3-Time All-Star This Offseason

Three Qualities the Next Cincinnati Reds Manager Must Have

Skip Schumaker Has Key Trait Cincinnati Reds Are Looking For in Next Manager

Nine Candidates to be Next Manager of the Cincinnati Reds Following David Bell Firing

Rhett Lowder Dazzles in Final Appearance of 2024, Wraps Up Impressive First Season

Marty Brennaman Weighs in on Reds Manager Search, Believes They Should Target World Series Champion Terry Francona

Cincinnati Reds Will Have to Compete With Multiple Teams to Land Skip Schumaker

Look: No. 2 Overall Pick Chase Burns in Cincinnati Reds Uniform for First Time

Watch: Nick Krall Discusses Reds’ Decision to Fire Manager David Bell

Look: Cincinnati Reds 2025 Spring Training Schedule Released

Follow Cincinnati Reds on SI on Twitter/X: @RedsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Reds Podcast

Follow on Instagram


Published
Greg Kuffner
GREG KUFFNER

Greg Kuffner a contributor to Reds On SI. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati and worked for the Sports Information Department during his time as a student. He follows all things Reds year round, including the minor league system.