Elly De La Cruz has quickly become one of the most electric young players in Major League Baseball. With jaw-dropping speed, explosive power, and a larger-than-life personality, the Cincinnati Reds infielder is already making waves just a couple of seasons into his pro career. But how much is Elly De La Cruz worth in 2025? What’s his salary, and what’s the story behind this rising star? Let’s break it all down.
How Much Is Elly De La Cruz Worth 2025?
As of 2025, Elly De La Cruz has an estimated net worth of $400,000. While that number might seem low for someone lighting up highlight reels every week, there’s more to the story.
Elly only just made his MLB debut in 2023, and like most rookies, he’s still in the early stages of his big-league contract. His current salary is $720,000, thanks to a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds signed ahead of the 2023 season. For a 21-year-old who made it from a small town in the Dominican Republic to the big leagues, that’s already life-changing money, and there’s still a lot more earning potential ahead.
Elly De La Cruz’s Contract Deal with Big League Advance
Before ever stepping foot in a Major League stadium, Elly signed a deal with a company called Big League Advance (now known as Big League Advantage). This group invests in young, often international prospects who might not have the financial resources to continue chasing their baseball dreams.
The catch is that players agree to give up a percentage of future earnings. In Elly’s case, that means 10% of all income he makes while playing in the MLB. It’s a trade-off. Elly got crucial support early in his journey, but if he ends up signing a nine-figure contract later in his career, tens of millions could go to BLA.
Some critics have called deals like this unfair, especially for young Black and Latino players who may not have access to financial education. But for Elly, it was the push he needed to reach the big leagues.
Elly De La Cruz’s Age and Early Life
Born on January 11, 2002, in Sabana Grande de Boyá, Dominican Republic, Elly Antonio De La Cruz is 23 years old as of 2025. He grew up in a big family with eight siblings, including a fraternal twin brother named Pedro. Fun fact: Elly is a full nine inches taller than Pedro, and people often don’t believe they’re twins until they show birth certificates.
Elly’s journey is one of resilience. At just 6 years old, he moved out of his home to live with a family friend who promised him food, training, and a shot at a better future. Later, he joined a baseball academy in Santo Domingo and was scouted by the Vilorio family during a tournament. They offered him not just a spot on their team, but a home and equipment. “They gave me everything,” Elly has said. “They treated me like a son.”
MLB Career and Breakout Moments
Elly signed with the Cincinnati Reds in 2018 as an international free agent, receiving a $65,000 signing bonus. He began in the Dominican Summer League and steadily climbed the ranks. After a canceled 2020 season due to COVID-19, Elly made a big splash in 2021 and 2022, hitting over .300 with serious power and speed.
2023: A Star Is Born
Then came 2023, the year everything changed.
On June 6, 2023, De La Cruz made his MLB debut. The very next day, he smashed his first home run. A few weeks later, on June 23, he hit for the cycle (a single, double, triple, and home run in one game) against the Atlanta Braves. At 21 years old, he became the youngest player to accomplish the feat since César Cedeño in 1972.
Just a couple weeks later, on July 8, he stole second, third, and home in a single inning, something no Reds player had done in over a century. Elly wasn’t just playing baseball. He was making history.
Elly De La Cruz’s Playing Style and Future Potential
Elly De La Cruz isn’t your average ballplayer. He’s 6’5” with blazing speed, a cannon for an arm, and legit 30+ home run power. He plays with a swagger and joy that’s contagious. He’s the kind of guy who turns a routine triple into must-watch TV.
Scouts and fans alike see superstar potential. If he continues on this trajectory, Elly could be in line for a massive long-term contract worth over $100 million in just a few years. That’s when his net worth will really take off.
Family Life and What Drives Him
At the center of Elly’s journey is his mother, Carmin. He wears a pendant with her picture every time he steps on the field. “It reminds me of all the times I doubted I could make it,” he told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “She’s why I’m here. I want her to be proud of me.”
His story isn’t just about stats and home runs. It’s about family, sacrifice, and dreaming big even when the odds are against you.
Elly De La Cruz Is Just Getting Started
In a league full of talent, Elly De La Cruz stands out not just for what he does on the field, but for the story he brings with him. From a small town in the Dominican Republic to the bright lights of the MLB, he’s a reminder that grit, belief, and a little help along the way can turn dreams into reality.
So whether you’re following his highlight-reel plays or curious about how high his net worth will go, one thing’s clear. Elly De La Cruz is one to watch, and his story is only getting started.
