Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz will not participate in the World Baseball Classic due to an ongoing quad injury. His initial inclusion on the Dominican Republic roster was retracted, following a previous withdrawal from a home run derby event in December. The decision to skip the classic was made jointly with the Reds, reflecting concerns about his health despite having played all 162 games during the 2025 season. This raises questions about the management of his injury, as he consistently appeared in games even while dealing with limitations.

By the Numbers
  • De La Cruz played all 162 regular season games in 2025.
  • He participated in both of the Reds’ playoff games last season.
State of Play
  • Initial announcement for De La Cruz's participation in the World Baseball Classic was quickly deleted.
  • The Reds determined that De La Cruz's quad injury was not resolved enough for competitive play.
What's Next

With De La Cruz skipping the World Baseball Classic, monitoring his recovery will be crucial. Insights gained from this situation could influence future roster decisions and injury management strategies for the Reds. Potential implications include reassessing player participation in off-season events.

Bottom Line

The Reds' decision underscores the need for a careful approach to player injuries and highlights the complexities of off-season participation. Ensuring De La Cruz's long-term health is paramount, potentially reshaping how the organization approaches player commitments in the future.