Francona's Strategic Approach to Managing Elly's Playing Time in '26
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Reflecting on the 2025 season, Reds manager Terry Francona acknowledges a desire to adjust his management style regarding All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz's playing time. De La Cruz's dedication and resilience were remarkable, playing 162 games with 161 starts and two postseason games while battling a nagging left quadriceps strain and the tragic loss of his sister.
Francona admits, "I need to find ways to give him breaks more often, and I didn't do a good job of that." Despite De La Cruz's unwavering commitment to play, Francona recognizes the toll it takes on his body, especially with the demanding schedule.
De La Cruz's performance dipped in the second half, slugging only four more homers in his remaining 83 games and 327 at-bats after hitting 18 homers in his first 79 games. Francona's challenge is to balance De La Cruz's energy and desire to play with the need for rest and recovery.
Looking ahead to 2026, Francona is open to experimentation, stating, "I don't have a specific number of games in mind, but I need to communicate better with Elly to ensure he understands the importance of managing his playing time."
The Reds' overall goal for the upcoming season is to build on their 83-77 record from Francona's first year as manager. The team aims to improve their playoff chances, avoiding the fate of being a feel-good story that falls short. Francona emphasizes the importance of learning from both the highs and lows of the previous season, striving for sustained success in 2026.
