Elly De La Cruz trade chatter dismissed as prospect shines in Arizona

30 HR, 30 SB season projects $7.9M first arbitration payday

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 56m1 min read

What happened: The Javelinas pulled ahead on a 107.9 MPH home run off the berm from the organization's No. 14 prospect in Arizona Fall League play. The accompanying discussion frames moving Elly De La Cruz as poor value while the club contends.

Why it matters: De La Cruz is entering arbitration for the first time, with a projection around $7.9M after a 30-homer, 30-steal season at .283/.365/.515 and roughly 6-plus WAR. The relay throw to nab a runner at home underscored his two-way value before his selection as a Hank Aaron Award finalist.

By the numbers: De La Cruz: 30 HR, 30 SB, .283/.365/.515, 6+ WAR; arbitration projection ~$7.9M. Arizona: 107.9 MPH HR by No. 14 prospect.

What to watch: Watch arbitration talks and the Hank Aaron Award fan vote, plus further Fall League at-bats for the Arizona standout.

Sources

Yahoo Sports 2026-10-19T15:21:51.688777+00:00

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