Ex-MLB pitcher sees Elly De La Cruz overburdened with unrealistic expectations, claims nobody more talented than 22-year-old Cincinnati Reds All-Star

MLB analyst Jeff Blair and ex-MLB pitcher Chris Welsh recently discussed Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz. At 22, the Reds shortstop is regarded by many, including Elly himself, as one of the most exciting talents in the big leagues.

Welsh played in the major leagues for five years, representing the San Diego Padres, Montreal Expos, Texas Rangers and Cincinnati Reds. His career stats include a 4.45 ERA, 192 strikeouts and a 22-31 record.

In the latest episode of Blair and Barker, Chris discussed how the Reds struggle due to lacking star power to aid their young cornerstone. (34:40).

"On a winning ball club, you need to have at least 3 players that are star or superstar caliber players. When you don't have those players, you ask players that have never done it before to be the man. That's what's gone wrong with the Reds."

Welsh further explained how De La Cruz has been adversely affected by his team's lack of supporting talent.

"They try to do too many things. Elly De la Cruz is a great example, I don't know if there's anyone in baseball that's got more talent than this young man. He's 22 years old, and because he can run as fast as anyone, throw as hard as anyone, and hit the ball as hard as anyone, everyone expects him to do everything by himself."

Reds win in Toronto as Elly De la Cruz continues strong season

The Cincinnati Reds beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-3 on Monday. In a game where the hosts initially took the lead at the bottom of the first following a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. home run, the Reds rallied to blow the game open at the top of the sixth.

St. Louis Cardinals v Cincinnati Reds - Source: Getty

De La Cruz batted in the tying runner for the visitors in the top of the 3rd. His stats for the season currently stand at a .257 batting average, 21 home runs and 53 RBIs.

Elly and his club face the Blue Jays in game two of their three-game series today in Toronto. Currently in third place in the NL Central, every Reds win is hugely important.