is elly the dodgers' future ss?

There has been chatter… mostly on Dodger blogs, that Elly De La Cruz should be the Dodgers' target as their next SS. His spectacular range and arm make him a potential Gold Glove defender, although consistency remains the big issue.

Elly makes spectacular plays... but sometimes struggles with the routine. Just 24 years old, I think that Elly could be expected to become more consistent as he matures.

His 2026 performance represents a substantial rebound from 2025. His +7 OAA places him well above average, and a September report put him in the 93rd percentile defensively. I did not think he could be a SS last year. I have changed my position based on his improvement.

At 6-foot-6, De La Cruz has extraordinary reach and quickness, but, as I mentioned, he can still struggle with routine plays. His arm is so powerful that he sometimes seems to rely on it rather than set his feet and make an uncomplicated throw.

Interestingly, Statcast credits him with +9 OAA moving toward third base in 2026 but -3 moving toward first base. That suggests some directional inconsistency despite his exceptional athletic ability.

But I have changed my conclusion on Elly De La Cruz based on updates: Elly is already a plus defensive MLB shortstop, but I wouldn't call him the best defensive shortstop in baseball. His ceiling is 9.5/10 if he improves his consistency.

comparison of top ss

Bobby Witt Jr. | My grade: 9.5/10

The clear defensive leader in this group for 2026. His +24 OAA is elite, and he combines outstanding range with reliable hands and a strong arm.

Mookie Betts | My grade: 8.5/10

Betts has developed into a very capable shortstop. His positioning, instincts and ability to make routine plays compensate for less raw range than Witt or De La Cruz.

Elly De La Cruz | My grade: 8/10

Probably the most physically gifted defender here, but his 18 errors and inconsistent year-to-year OAA keep him below Witt. His upside is enormous.

Francisco Lindor | My grade: 7.5/10 for 2026

Historically an excellent defensive shortstop, he has seen his 2026 range metrics decline considerably from his peak seasons.

The Dodgers angle

If I'm evaluating whether the Dodgers need to replace Mookie Betts at shortstop, these numbers certainly don't make that case. Betts actually produced slightly more Outs Above Average than De La Cruz in 2026 while committing half as many errors.

For De La Cruz, the bigger attraction to a team like Los Angeles would be the complete package: switch-hitting power, extraordinary speed, youth and defensive upside.

And that raises an interesting roster-building question: Would the Dodgers be better with De La Cruz at shortstop and Betts at second base?

Defensively, that is not an automatic improvement based on their 2026 performances. Offensively and in terms of long-term roster construction, however, it becomes a much more intriguing proposition. It could help prolong Mookie's career.

Why would the reds trade him?

So, this is the $500 million question, which, by the way, could be the contract Elly gets in 2030 when he becomes a free agent. He is arbitration-eligible next year and will likely get $10 million or more… He could ask for $20.

The Reds offered him a $225 Million Contract last year, and he turned it down. That was the biggest contract ever by Cincinnati... eclipsing the one given to Joey Votto. They know they will lose Elly in 2030, so if they could improve the team greatly, they may be inclined to do so.

However, for that to happen, the Dodgers would have to start with Eduardo Quintero, who is also a possible superstar, in a year or two. The Reds would also require more MMLB-ready talent such as James Tibbs III and Zach Ehrhard. The Dodgers would also need to include Teoscar Hernandez and $10 million. Teo might hit 40 HR in Great American Ballpark as their DH.

That might come close to getting the job done, but it may take one more prospect, not named DePaula, Sirota, Morales, or Zazueta.

Two days ago, I traded Freddie to Atlanta. With this trade, here are your 2027 Los Angeles Dodgers:

1. Ohtani DH

2. Betts 2B

3. DeLa Curz SS

4. DePaula LF

5. Pages RF

6. Muncy 3B

7. Sirota CF

8. Tucker 1B

9. Smith C

OK, skewer me!