First $Billion$ Player....Elly de la Cruz?

[D. Bergin]

I think De La Cruz's style of play and batting eye trends to a short peak. I think I compared him to Eric Davis before. Will be fun and magnificent while it lasts...but I don't think it will last long.

Analytics guys for teams will notice this before doling out that type of contract.

Acuna might have been competing with Soto for the biggest contract, if not for the injuries and the fact the Braves had the foresight to lock him into a contract very early in his career, but the timing would still be off for him to become the Billion$ guy.

Royals wrapped Bobby Witt Jr. up early also, for what's starting to look like a bargain now. So he's not that guy either.

Not sure that player has shown himself yet. Ohtani and Soto were sort of perfect storms of circumstance. I think it will be awhile now before we see another contract in competition with those two.

[packs]

I don't think Elly has a billion dollar ability. He's exciting but I agree he is more likely to have high highs and the lowest of lows. Could steady himself or he could turn into Joey Gallo.

I think the first billion dollar player will be a prospect who has A-Rod level hype, debuts at 18 and is a complete monster by the time he hits free agency at 25. A-Rod had already won a batting title, four silver sluggers and was coming off a 10.4 WAR season when he hit free agency. I could see a billion dollar contract for a guy like that come 2030. It was just too soon for Soto.

[Gorditadogg]

I would have turned down the deferred money too. What good is it if you can't spend it?

[D. Bergin]

Originally Posted by Gorditadogg

I would have turned down the deferred money too. What good is it if you can't spend it?

Bobby Bonilla's ex-wife would disagree with that sentiment.

[BobbyStrawberry]

Elly is an electrifying player but he has a long way to go before he gets into the billion dollar club IMO. The biggest thing he has to do is prove that he can hit and get on base consistently for a few more years, which will make up for when the speed declines later on.

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

I think De La Cruz's style of play and batting eye trends to a short peak.

Elly de la Cruz looks to be in great physical condition though. Shouldn't you be more concerned about Juan Soto having passed his peak given that he already has a dad bod at the age of 26? While Soto was clearly an early bloomer, he may very well flame out early as well.

[D. Bergin]

Originally Posted by Balticfox

Elly de la Cruz looks to be in great physical condition though. Shouldn't you be more concerned about Juan Soto having passed his peak given that he already has a dad bod at the age of 26? While Soto was clearly an early bloomer, he may very well flame out early as well.

Juan Soto is a power hitter who walks more then he strikes out.

Elly de la Cruz is a hitter with some power who strikes out almost 4 times more then he walks. This with the eyes of a 22 year-old. These type of optics rarely get better as a player ages.

Tony Gwynn, David Ortiz and Babe Ruth all had "dad bod's" for the majority of their careers.

A guy with Juan Soto's power, combined with his eye is a rare commodity in baseball...dad bod, or not. It's also the type of skill set that ages well. No, he won't ever win a Gold Glove or steal 50 bases, but what he does do is pretty predictable and repeatable for those who are good at it, and stay fairly healthy.

[packs]

I'm having trouble understanding the dad bod comments at all. Have you seen photos of Babe Ruth? Who would confuse him with Mr. Universe?

Baseball is about production. If people cared about your appearance, I doubt Randy Johnson would have had much of a career.

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

Elly de la Cruz is a hitter with some power who strikes out almost 4 times more then he walks. This with the eyes of a 22 year-old. These type of optics rarely get better as a player ages.

Elly de la Cruz needs to learn to hit the ball where it's pitched. That's something a good pitching coach should be able to teach him (unless he's a total idiot of course).

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

Juan Soto is a power hitter who walks more then he strikes out.

A guy with Juan Soto's power, combined with his eye is a rare commodity in baseball...dad bod, or not. It's also the type of skill set that ages well. No, he won't ever win a Gold Glove or steal 50 bases, but what he does do is pretty predictable and repeatable for those who are good at it, and stay fairly healthy.

That though is the problem with Juan Soto. He's a one-dimensional power hitter. When that goes, he has nothing else to offer. Given that he's not shown the commitment to being the best that he can be, I think there's going to be a quick drop in his production and thus value to any team, particularly now that he's signed a guaranteed long-term contract.

But hey, if you're a Yankees fan, that should please you!