The hub dedicated to celebrating Joey Votto on the Red Reporter website is a permanent fixture, but it’s about to have company with a new hub dedicated to Elly De La Cruz.
Recently, there’s been a lot of admiration for the up-and-coming star of the Cincinnati Reds, especially considering his outstanding performance at the start of the 2024 MLB season. Since April 8th, his stats have been remarkable, with a .302/.429/.667 line and .467 wOBA across 19 games. His OPS (1.095) and wOBA both rank as the 4th best offensive marks in baseball.
However, despite Elly’s stellar play, the Reds’ offense as a whole has hit a rough patch since April 9th. Their performance metrics, such as wOBA and wRC+, have dropped significantly, putting them among the lowest-ranking teams in the league during that period.
This decline isn’t isolated to just a few players. Several regulars, including Stuart Fairchild, Santiago Espinal, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, have struggled to produce at a league-average level. Even players like Nick Martini and Jeimer Candelario, who are not far behind in terms of performance, are failing to meet expectations.
Even standout players like Spencer Steer have seen a dip in their performance since the early weeks of the season. Despite his strong start, Steer’s numbers have plummeted recently, placing him among the worst-performing hitters in the league.
Candelario, a veteran free agent acquisition expected to bring stability to the team, has also struggled notably. His recent performance, especially over the last few games, has been disappointing, reflecting the team’s overall offensive woes.
Overall, the Reds’ offense appears to be struggling and overwhelmed, facing challenges due to injuries and suspensions. The team was designed to be versatile, with a mix of experienced players and rising talents, but lately, they’ve been unable to capitalize on their strengths.
Next, the Reds face the San Diego Padres, a team with pitching vulnerabilities similar to the Reds’ hitting struggles. Perhaps this series will provide an opportunity for the Cincinnati offense to rediscover its form, as the past few weeks have been far from ideal.
