BREAKING!!! “I’m Leaving Soon” – Cincinnati Reds Starting Shortstop Elly De La Cruz Set to Make Move as $21 Million Deal Closes
CINCINNATI — Reds fans were stunned this morning as Elly De La Cruz, the team’s electric shortstop and face of the franchise, dropped a cryptic bombshell during a post-game interview.
“I’m leaving soon,” De La Cruz said with a calm smile, moments after helping the Reds to a 6-4 win with a home run and two stolen bases.
Reporters froze, unsure whether to believe their ears. Was he joking? Tired? Emotional? But Elly’s eyes told the story—this was real.
Rumors had circulated for weeks. Whispers of a mysterious $21 million deal swirled in the air, tied to a West Coast club hungry for a superstar. But the Reds had denied it. De La Cruz had remained quiet—until now.
Back in the clubhouse, sources say the mood was tense. “He’s the heart of this team,” second baseman Jonathan India said. “You don’t just replace Elly.”
The deal, reportedly with the Los Angeles Angels, is still under wraps, but insiders suggest it includes not just the massive payout, but also ownership stakes in a lifestyle brand, creative freedom in marketing campaigns, and even a say in team recruitment.
“Elly’s more than a player,” said an anonymous agent close to the negotiations. “He’s a brand, a movement. This is LeBron-to-Miami level.”
At 23, De La Cruz has already made a name for himself as one of baseball’s most thrilling players—a rare blend of speed, power, and charisma. But in recent months, those close to him say he’s been craving more.
“He wants a bigger stage,” his trainer hinted last week. “He wants to change the game.”
Fans flooded social media with reactions ranging from heartbreak to denial. #Don’tGoElly trended within minutes of the interview airing. One young fan posted a tearful video, holding up a worn #44 jersey and whispering, “Please stay.”
Still, not everyone is shocked. “You could see this coming,” said Reds beat writer Dave Lorenz. “He’s outgrown Cincinnati in some ways. He wants rings. He wants legacy.”
The Reds organization has yet to comment officially, but the front office is reportedly in talks with multiple teams to prepare for a potential blockbuster trade. If finalized, the move could go down as one of the most seismic shifts in recent franchise history.
But Elly, as always, remains cool and confident.
“I love this city,” he told reporters before stepping into his matte black sports car. “But sometimes, to grow, you gotta go. I’m not done—just moving forward.”
As the car peeled off into the rainy Cincinnati night, fans stood outside Great American Ball Park in silence. Whether De La Cruz really is leaving, or if this is just another twist in his meteoric career, one thing is certain:
Leave a Reply