Two baseball players from the Dominican Republic are quickly making a name for themselves. While they are currently listed with AAA teams, baseball fans may soon find them called up to the Major Leagues as they continue to show off.
Elly de la Cruz Comes Alive
Ronny Mauricio and Elly de la Cruz strive to reach the Major Leagues by breaking barriers and opening doors. The effects of their colossal hitting are astounding and greatly benefit their individual teams. However, Mauricio faces a difficult challenge to establish a place within the New York Mets' already busy infield, and De la Cruz experiences the same setback within the Cincinnati Reds' infield.
Despite his imposing height of 6'3 and 6'5 feet, the ambidextrous bullpen failed to draw attention during his International League (AAA) debut. However, speculation surfaced Monday about De La Cruz's possible inclusion on Cincinnati's roster in the coming months, thanks to his impressive bat speed.
Last week, he connected on a 117 mph home run and has hit 115 mph five times this season. Among all MLB teams, Giancarlo Stanton leads all MLB teams with five hits over the threshold. Born in Sabana Grande de Boya 21 years ago, he was just a prospect then. Thirty-one other teams have followed Giancarlo's example.
He was named the top prospect in baseball by ESPN last week, while ranking fourth in Major League Baseball's MLB Pipeline and eighth in Baseball America's midseason update.
The Reds' bread and butter can be disrupted by calling up a big crowd. Jonathan India, who was awarded Rookie of the Year in 2021, takes over as the Reds' strikeout force and plays defensive second base. De la Cruz's primary position is shortstop, and Cuban Jose Barrero, along with rookie Matt McLain, has spent most of his games at that position.
In 32 games with the Louisville Bats, De la Cruz is 41-for-135 with 10 home runs, 10 doubles, 31 RBIs, nine steals and a .304 / .395 / .644 offensive line and his OPS is up to 1.039.
ELLY DE LA CRUZ AND RONNY MAURICIO wanting to be big in big league (MLB) which one will have a better chance to keep the team. Cincinnati and METS.. "GOOD LUCK" 🙏 pic.twitter.com/RlDMwKPaVs
- Raul TOMAS Peguero25 (@RTOMASPEGUERO25) January 22, 2023
Mauritius stands out from the crowd
Mauricio was hailed as Lidom's most prized player last season. He dominated every game, from start to finish, amidst a fusion of summer and winter tones. His total score reached an impressive 785, cementing his place as a notable player.
Mauricio appeared in 50 games for the Syracuse Mets, leading the International League in hits with 71, along with seven home runs, 22 doubles, 33 RBIs and an impressive .346 / .389 / .576 offensive record. Continually, people in Queens asked Mets manager Buck Showalter when he will place Mauricio, who excelled at his position at second base.
The team's situation was resolved with top-seeded Francisco Lindor positioned as the shortstop, and Jeff McNeil taking second base. Brett Baty, the up-and-coming player who previously manned third base, was replaced this season.
According to Showalter, it is the Dominican's duty to address the issue of defense. Meanwhile, in New York, Mauricio's prospects are with a different team. His efforts have positioned him to deliver a significant market offering by August 1.
On Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday in May, teams aiming to qualify for the season have the opportunity to reinforce their strength by choosing to enter the market. This option is available until the next lesson. However, the deadline to allow 12 teams access to eligible players has been moved to the end of July, just after the All-Star Game.