The Cincinnati Reds have a rich history filled with legendary players who left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball. One of those icons recently made headlines with a bold claim about a current Reds superstar. Johnny Bench, widely regarded as one of the greatest catchers of all time and a cornerstone of the “Big Red Machine” in the 1970s, publicly expressed his admiration for the rising star of the franchise, Elly De La Cruz.
Bench, known for his candid opinions and deep understanding of the game, didn’t hold back in praising De La Cruz. “Elly has the potential to be one of the greatest players in Reds history,” Bench said in a recent interview. “I’ve seen a lot of talent come through Cincinnati, but the combination of power, speed, and defensive ability that De La Cruz brings to the field is special. He has all the tools to be a game-changer.”
De La Cruz, a versatile infielder with electric speed and a powerful bat, has captured the attention of the baseball world since making his debut. At 6’5″ with a rare blend of athleticism, he has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats, and his potential seems limitless. Bench’s endorsement adds to the growing hype surrounding De La Cruz, whose remarkable performances have energized Reds fans.
Bench also emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency. “Staying healthy and continuing to grow as a player are key. If he can do that, there’s no ceiling for what he can achieve. He’s already showing flashes of brilliance, but it’s about sustaining that over the long haul.”
For a legend like Johnny Bench to make such a bold claim about a young player is significant. It reflects not only the belief in De La Cruz’s talent but also the hope that he can carry the Reds back to prominence, just as Bench and his teammates did during their championship years.