Elly De La Cruz's clutch hit leads the Reds over the Rays 7-2 on July 27, 2025. The win keeps Cincinnati in the hunt as the MLB trade deadline looms.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a game that felt like a microcosm of their season, the Cincinnati Reds showed grit, flashed brilliance, and ultimately came out on top. Sparked by another clutch moment from superstar Elly De La Cruz, the Reds defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 7-2 on Sunday, extending their win streak to two and improving to a solid 54-50. The victory keeps them squarely in the NL Central hunt, but with the trade deadline looming, the biggest question is what moves will be made to turn this contender into a champion.
.283 AVG, 18 HR, 65 RBI – Elly De La Cruz isn't just a star in the making; he's the clutch leader the Reds need right now.
The home crowd was holding its breath in the bottom of the seventh inning, with the game knotted at 2-2. With runners in scoring position, Elly De La Cruz stepped to the plate and did what he does best: deliver under pressure. He laced a single that brought home two runs, breaking the tie and giving the Reds a lead they would not relinquish. The bullpen was lights-out from there, and the offense tacked on insurance runs to seal the 7-2 victory. It was a complete team win, but it was Elly's swing that provided the critical turning point.
While the Reds celebrated on the field, the front office is undoubtedly working the phones. As of Sunday, no major moves have been announced, but with the July 31st deadline fast approaching, the silence feels more like the calm before the storm. The team's recent success puts them firmly in the 'buyer' category. Do they need another bullpen arm? A veteran starter for the stretch run? The front office faces a classic dilemma: mortgage a piece of the future for a chance at glory now, or trust the current squad to get the job done?
The reason the Reds have such a fascinating decision to make is their incredibly deep farm system. The latest MLB Pipeline update confirms what Reds fans already knew: the future is bright. RHP Chase Burns has ascended to become the No. 2 overall prospect in all of baseball, a truly elite asset. He's not alone, as the system is peppered with top-100 talent and bolstered by a promising 2025 draft class, including high-upside shortstop Steele Hall. This embarrassment of riches gives the Reds the flexibility to either build a dynasty from within or swing a blockbuster trade that could define their season.
With a key series win secured and the team firing on all cylinders, all eyes in Cincinnati now turn to the front office. The Reds have the talent on the field and the assets in the minors to make a serious postseason push. The next few days leading up to the July 31st deadline will determine if they stand pat or go all-in on 2025.
