What happened: MLB Network highlighted De La Cruz's production against left-handed pitching this season. The Cincinnati Reds star is batting .350 against southpaws.
Why it matters: The split gives Cincinnati a favorable matchup when opposing teams turn to left-handed arms. It also marks a significant shift in how clubs can approach De La Cruz during the regular-season stretch run.
By the numbers: Against left-handed pitchers in 2026, De La Cruz is batting .350 with a .417 on-base percentage, .657 slugging percentage and 1.075 OPS across 143 at-bats, with 10 home runs and 31 RBIs.
What to watch: Track whether De La Cruz sustains the production in his next at-bats against left-handed pitching.