He is 24.
That’s the short answer, but it doesn't even begin to cover why everyone is obsessed with how old is Elly De La Cruz right now. In a sport where players often spend their early 20s grinding through bus rides in the minor leagues, this guy is already a multi-time All-Star for the Cincinnati Reds.
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Honestly, watching him play feels like watching a glitch in the matrix. He’s 6-foot-5, runs like a gazelle, and throws the ball across the diamond at speeds that would get you a ticket on the highway.
The Birth of a Phenom
Elly Antonio De La Cruz was born on January 11, 2002.
He grew up in Sabana Grande de Boyá, a small town in the Dominican Republic. It's wild to think that just a few years ago, he was a skinny kid signing for a modest $65,000 bonus. Most "super-prospects" get millions before they even take a professional swing, but Elly was a late bloomer in terms of his physical frame. He just kept growing.
By the time he hit his early 20s, he had transformed into a physical freak of nature.
Because he was born in early 2002, he recently celebrated his 24th birthday this January. If you're looking at his 2026 season stats, you're looking at a young man entering what many scouts call the "physical peak" window. Most MLB players don't even reach their prime until 27 or 28.
That should be terrifying for the rest of the National League.
How Old is Elly De La Cruz Compared to MLB Legends?
People love to compare him to names like Eric Davis or Rickey Henderson. When you look at what he's done by age 24, the numbers are actually a bit stupid.
By the end of the 2025 season, he had already joined the 20-50 club. Not many humans can hit 20 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single year. Doing it before your 23rd birthday? That's historic.
Let's look at the timeline.
- Signed at 16 (2018).
- Debuted in the DSL at 17.
- Made his MLB debut at 21 (2023).
- Became a household name by 22.
He’s already been an All-Star twice. Most guys his age are still trying to figure out how to hit a slider in Triple-A Louisville. Instead, Elly is out here breaking Statcast. He’s clocked sprint speeds over 30 feet per second and infield assists at 100 mph.
The 2026 Outlook and Maturity
Last year was a bit of a rollercoaster. He’s the first to admit he’s still learning. There was that quad strain in late 2025 that slowed him down, and yeah, he’s had some issues with errors at shortstop.
But that’s the thing about being 24.
You're still molding the clay. Reds manager Terry Francona has been vocal about managing Elly's workload better in 2026. The kid played 162 games last year—literally every single game. That’s a lot of wear and tear on a 6-foot-5 frame.
The plan for this season involves more days at Designated Hitter (DH) to keep his legs fresh. When Elly’s legs are fresh, the Reds win. It's basically science at this point.
Why His Age Matters for Your Fantasy Team
If you're into dynasty leagues, Elly is basically gold. Since he won't be a free agent until 2030, the Reds have him under control for a long time.
He’s pre-arbitration eligible right now, which means he’s one of the best values in baseball. We're talking about a guy who can potentially give you 30 homers and 70 steals. You don't find that in older players whose bodies are starting to break down.
Quick Facts:
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Bats: Switch hitter
- Current Age: 24
He has a twin brother named Pedro, by the way. Interestingly, Pedro is 5-foot-8. DNA is weird, right?
Wrapping Up the Hype
So, how old is Elly De La Cruz? He's 24, but he plays with the energy of a teenager and the power of a veteran.
The most exciting part isn't what he's already done—it's the fact that he hasn't even reached his ceiling yet. If he cuts down the strikeouts and cleans up the defense, we aren't just looking at an All-Star. We're looking at a Hall of Fame trajectory.
Next Steps for Fans:
Keep an eye on the Reds' lineup rotations this spring. With the team adding depth like Ke'Bryan Hayes and managing Elly's starts at DH, his efficiency should skyrocket. If you’re tracking his cards or fantasy value, look for his "Walk-to-Strikeout" ratio to improve; that’s the real sign that he’s maturing beyond his years.
Check the 2026 Redsfest schedule if you want to see him in person before the season kicks off in Goodyear.