Joey Votto predicts future MVP honors for Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz

Former Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto shared his assessment of shortstop Elly De La Cruz during a recent Sunday Night Baseball broadcast. Speaking from Chicago during the Reds game against the Cubs, Votto revealed he told De La Cruz that he expects the infielder to reach a level of play by 2027 that commands the same MVP chants currently heard for Cubs player Pete Crow-Armstrong. Votto stated that De La Cruz possesses tools identical to those of Crow-Armstrong and emphasized that the young shortstop has not yet realized his full potential. Beyond his evaluation of De La Cruz, Votto highlighted the performance of Reds infielder Sal Stewart, noting he has had a special season. Votto continues to serve as an analyst on NBC broadcasts while navigating his post-playing career.

• 12:09 AMYahoo Sports — Joey Votto tells Elly De La Cruz the 2027 MVP chants will be for him