Reds manager Terry Francona said he might want someone else hitting second this year because Noelvi Marte "struggled so bad against lefties" last season.
Elly De La Cruz
SS - CIN
Height: 6-5
Weight: 200 lbs
Age: 24
College:
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Reds manager Terry Francona said he might want someone else hitting second this year because Noelvi Marte "struggled so bad against lefties" last season.Francona seems committed to keeping TJ Friedl first and Elly De La Cruz third ahead of new cleanup man Eugenio Suarez. That means the No. 2 hitter pretty much has to be a righty. Marte is one, but he hit just .232/.288/.274 against lefties last season, compared to .275/.305/.516 against righties. There isn't much reason to think that's something that will stick going forward, but it might mean Marte hits fifth or sixth going forward. Sal Stewart seems like the best alternative to Marte, but it'll probably take Francona some time to warm up to that idea. Matt McLain might get his old spot back if he has a nice spring.
Source: NBC Sports
Monday, Feb 9, 2026