2021 Possible Aces Faces: Michael De La Cruz
Michael De La Cruz is ready to finally put on an Aces jersey. The product of the Dominican Republic was signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in December of 2019, and assigned to Reno days later in January of 2020. And then the rest is history. De La Cruz has been
Michael De La Cruz is ready to finally put on an Aces jersey. The product of the Dominican Republic was signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in December of 2019, and assigned to Reno days later in January of 2020. And then the rest is history.
De La Cruz has been waiting to make his debut after spending the last two seasons with the Buffalo Bisons, Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto signed De La Cruz as a non-drafted free agent in 2012, and the catcher made his way up through their system.
In 2019, his last year playing, De La Cruz posted professional bests in batting average (.278), on base percentage (.379), slugging (.444) and home runs (5) of his career.
Then came COVID, canceling the 2020 season and pausing De La Cruz’s momentum. But with the 2021 season just around the corner, he’ll finally get his shot to keep it going. Despite spending the bulk of his career behind the plate as a catcher, De La Cruz has spent time in the infield at both first and third base, and in the outfield in right and left.
The 27 year old will look to keep the momentum rolling, and should bring plenty of consistency and versatility to Reno.