The MLB offseason is progressing as the 2025 season approaches, allowing players to enjoy their time away from the game. Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz celebrated his 23rd birthday on Saturday and shared moments from the day with fans on social media.
De La Cruz posted an Instagram story that included a video from a motocross event he attended.
De La Cruz shared another IG story featuring a platter of pastries adorned with a message written in red syrup. The message on his platter read:
"Happy Birthday, Elly."
In the 2024 season, De La Cruz played 160 games for the Reds. He finished with a batting average of .259, an on-base percentage of .339, and a slugging percentage of .471. De La Cruz recorded 76 RBIs and hit 25 home runs while stealing 67 bases.
MLB shared Elly De La Cruz's 'the fastest man alive' video on IG
Elly De La Cruz has earned the nickname "the fastest man alive" after showcasing his base-stealing skills. On July 3, MLB's Instagram account shared a post featuring De La Cruz, including a picture and videos from his time at the MLB office. The caption of the post read:
"'I'm the fastest man alive.' - Our co-worker Elly De La Cruz.'"
In the video, one of his co-workers asked him how he arrived for a meeting so quickly.
"Because I'm the fastest man alive," De La Cruz replied.
Additionally, MLB's Instagram shared another post comparing De La Cruz's speed to Lightning McQueen from the animated film "Cars."
"KA-CHOW! ⚡ Elly is really stoked for the MLB Speedway Classic 🤣."
Elly De La Cruz signed as an international free agent in 2018 with the Cincinnati Reds and made his MLB debut in 2023.