Elly De La Cruz has made a serious effort to avoid the nightmare summer he had in 2025.
The Cincinnati Reds‘ star went a multi-month stretch of last season without hitting a single home run. Given his natural talent and athletic ability, that’s crazy.
He’s not planning to let it happen again.
This offseason, De La Cruz added 15 pounds, putting him up to 217 pounds right now.
MORE: How Jose Ramirez is on pace to become Cleveland’s Derek Jeter
He put in a detailed upper body plan and also just ate more, according to reporter Charlie Clifford.
Elly De La Cruz notes in Goodyear
-Up to 217 LB, nearly 15 pounds heavier than 2025
-A lot of upper body work & simply eating more
-No regrets on playing all 162 in ’25 & its a goal to do it again in ’26On teaming up with Eugenio Suarez: “We can do some damage together.” pic.twitter.com/TYgUFBwkcO
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) February 16, 2026
MORE: Luis Arraez is MLB’s perfect misfit in 2026
This generally has to feel like welcome news for Cincy fans.
De La Cruz is a special ballplayer, but he also seems to have untapped potential that he can still reach, too.
Adding some muscle and strength almost has to be a good thing when you consider the length of an MLB season. He needs to be able to hold up the whole way, and this should help.
De La Cruz doesn’t take days off, either, and so the Reds want him at his physical best to ensure he can last throughout the campaign.
This certainly should be a step in the right direction.
