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Elly De La Cruz Rejects Reds' Record Contract Offer

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Reds offered Elly De La Cruz a contract to surpass Joey Votto's $225 million deal.
De La Cruz, 24, declined the offer and left his career to agent Scott Boras.
Reds president Nick Krall said the team respects De La Cruz's decision not to participate in the World Baseball Classic.
Last season, De La Cruz hit 22 home runs and stole 37 bases, contributing to the Reds' postseason return.

History

Historical Context

In 2000, Alex Rodriguez signed a groundbreaking 10-year, $252 million contract with the Texas Rangers, marking a pivotal moment in Major League Baseball's salary landscape. This contract set a new standard for player compensation, influencing future negotiations. Recently, Elly De La Cruz's contract offer from the Reds, exceeding Joey Votto's $225 million deal, underscores the ongoing trend of escalating salaries in professional sports.

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Story summary

The Reds offered Elly De La Cruz a contract to surpass Joey Votto's $225 million deal.
De La Cruz, 24, declined the offer and left his career to agent Scott Boras.
Reds president Nick Krall said the team respects De La Cruz's decision not to participate in the World Baseball Classic.
Last season, De La Cruz hit 22 home runs and stole 37 bases, contributing to the Reds' postseason return.

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