The shortstop position is exceptionally rich in talent for the 2025 season, with numerous players projected to be drafted in the first few rounds. However, several players at this position are likely to underperform based on their Average Draft Position (ADP). Willy Adames, after a breakout year, may struggle in San Francisco's pitcher-friendly park. Anthony Volpe's inconsistent batting raises concerns, while CJ Abrams' second-half decline is alarming. Lastly, Elly De La Cruz, despite his electric potential, faces issues with contact and strikeout rates, making him a risky pick at a high ADP. Fantasy managers would be wise to consider alternatives for better value and stability in their lineups.

Heading into the 2025 season, Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz has altered his batting stance to enhance his contact rate and decrease strikeouts. His new stance is taller and more open, allowing him better adjustability in his swing. New hitting coach Chris Valaika emphasizes maintaining De La Cruz's aggressiveness while fostering control in his forward movement.

Despite leading MLB with 218 strikeouts in 2024, De La Cruz had a breakout year, making the All-Star Game with 25 home runs and a 5.2 WAR. He also stole a league-high 67 bases, showcasing his speed and athleticism. With De La Cruz and new manager Terry Francona at the helm, the Reds aim to improve from their fourth-place finish in the National League Central in 2024.

The Cincinnati Reds welcomed their position players to camp with a lighthearted "school photo thread," capturing moments filled with excitement reminiscent of a first-day-of-school vibe. The players featured include Gavin Lux, Jeimer Candelario, Santiago Espinal, Noelvi Marte, Carson Spiers, Brent Suter, Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Tyler Stephenson, Alexis Diaz, Nick Martinez, Will Benson, and TJ Friedl among others.

In addition to the fun photo-sharing, the Reds organization has been active with news, including a tribute video for Pete Rose and discussions about managerial candidates following the firing of David Bell. The team is expected to be aggressive in pursuing trades and has identified several key traits for their next manager. As fans gear up for the season, the Reds offer robust coverage on their social media platforms and dedicated channels.

Elly De La Cruz, the Cincinnati Reds' dynamic shortstop, is focused on refining his game for the 2025 season after an impressive 2024 campaign. With aspirations to lower his strikeout rate, De La Cruz acknowledges the need for improvement while building on his already strong performance.

In 2024, he made the All-Star team, smashing 25 home runs and driving in 76 runs while leading the league with an astonishing 67 stolen bases. Despite his success, De La Cruz struggled with strikeouts, totaling 218. With a batting average of .259, the 23-year-old is determined to enhance his contact rate, which will be crucial for the Reds as they aim to climb out of fourth place in the National League Central and leverage their new management and roster additions.

The Cincinnati Reds are aiming for a significant turnaround following a lackluster 77-win season, as they prepare for the upcoming MLB campaign. The team's opening day lineup includes notable players like Matt McLain at second base, Elly De La Cruz at shortstop, and Gavin Lux, who is set to start at third base despite limited experience in that position. The starting rotation will feature Hunter Greene, Brady Singer, Nick Martinez, Nick Lodolo, and Rhett Lowder, who is recovering from an injury but earned a rotation spot over Andrew Abbott, despite Abbott's solid performance in his previous two seasons.