Managing a rising star like Elly De La Cruz is no easy feat, and Reds manager Terry Francona is the first to admit he could’ve handled things differently last season. With De La Cruz playing a staggering 162 games in 2025—despite battling a nagging quadriceps injury and the emotional toll of his sister’s tragic death—Francona now reflects on the need for a more balanced approach in 2026. But here’s where it gets controversial: How do you manage a player who thrives on being on the field every single day, even when his body might be screaming for rest?
During the 2025 season, the 23-year-old shortstop put up impressive numbers, batting .264 with 22 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 37 steals, helping the Reds clinch a Wild Card spot. Yet, his offensive production dipped significantly in the second half, raising questions about whether overuse played a role. Francona openly takes responsibility, stating, 'I need to find ways to get him off his feet from time to time, and I didn’t do a very good job of that.'
What makes De La Cruz’s situation unique is his unwavering desire to play. Even when Francona tried to give him a break by using him as a designated hitter in four games, De La Cruz pushed back. And this is the part most people miss: While his dedication is admirable, it’s also a double-edged sword. Francona notes, 'He gets beat up so much. Sometimes the day game off after the night game might be really helpful for him.'
Looking ahead to 2026, Francona doesn’t have a specific game count in mind for De La Cruz but emphasizes the need to be proactive. 'I think you have to be proactive and I just need to explain it to him better to make him understand,' he said. This raises a thought-provoking question: How do you balance a player’s passion with the long-term health and sustainability of their career?
Beyond De La Cruz, Francona is focused on building on the Reds’ 83-win season and avoiding a postseason repeat of their quick exit against the Dodgers. 'Our goal isn’t to win 83 games,' he said. 'I think we all got a taste of what it can feel like to pop champagne, which is good. Then a couple days later, we also felt the sting of getting beat up two quick games and getting sent home before you want to.'
As the Reds aim higher in 2026, Francona’s approach to managing De La Cruz will be under the microscope. Is resting a star player the key to unlocking their full potential, or does it risk stifling their momentum? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from settled.
