Imagine a star player pushing through injuries, personal tragedy, and a grueling schedule, all while their manager admits to mishandling their playing time. That's the reality for Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz, and it's sparking a crucial conversation about player management in baseball.
In a recent reflection, Reds manager Terry Francona openly acknowledged his regret over how he handled De La Cruz's workload during the 2025 season. The 23-year-old phenom played a staggering 162 games, starting 161 of them, despite battling a nagging left quadriceps strain and the devastating loss of his sister in May. While De La Cruz's resilience is admirable, Francona now sees the need for a different approach in 2026.
But here's where it gets controversial: Should a manager prioritize a player's desire to compete over their long-term health and performance? Francona himself admits, "I love the fact that he wants to play... but he gets beat up so much." De La Cruz's numbers tell a story: after a strong start with 18 home runs in his first 79 games, his production dipped significantly, with only four more homers in the remaining 83 games. This decline coincides with his injury and heavy playing schedule.
Francona takes full responsibility, stating, "I need to find ways to get him off his feet from time to time, and I didn't do a very good job of that." He plans to be more proactive in managing De La Cruz's playing time, even if it means going against the player's own wishes. This raises an important question: How can managers balance a player's passion with the need for rest and recovery?
And this is the part most people miss: It's not just about preventing injuries; it's about optimizing performance. As Francona notes, "I’m not sure a day is going to do a whole lot of good in September. I think you have to be proactive." By strategically resting De La Cruz earlier in the season, Francona hopes to keep him fresh and productive throughout the entire year.
Looking ahead, Francona aims to build on the Reds' 83-77 record from his first season, with a focus on sustained success rather than just making the playoffs. He wants his team to remember both the thrill of clinching a postseason berth and the sting of their quick elimination by the Dodgers. This dual motivation could be the key to pushing the Reds further in 2026.
As for De La Cruz, his talent is undeniable. With a .264 batting average, 22 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 37 stolen bases in 2025, he's already a cornerstone of the Reds' lineup. The challenge now is ensuring his longevity and continued growth.
What do you think? Is Francona's new approach the right one, or should players like De La Cruz be allowed to play as much as they want? How can teams strike the perfect balance between player desire and managerial responsibility? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
