/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-tor.buminteractif.com%2F2026%2F01%2F24193937%2FDe-La-Cruz-1024x683-1-1.jpeg)
In recent years, MLB salaries have skyrocketed exponentially. We've seen players sign monstrous contracts, and that's what's led to more and more talk about the idea of a salary cap.
At least, the Dodgers are making sure to give ammunition to those who want one.
As a result, more and more young stars can aspire to sign huge contracts when they reach autonomy. Recently, for example, we saw Elly De La Cruz turn down a contract worth over $225 million because he believes he'll make more money in a few years' time.
And while visiting Foul Territory, C. Trent Rosecrans, who covers the Reds' activities, made a bold prediction: in his eyes, De La Cruz could become a billion-dollar player.
Nothing less.
Elly De La Cruz could be a BILLION dollar player, says @CTrent of @RiverfrontPod. pic.twitter.com/Sy0n8ji7nq
– Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 22, 2026
We know that De La Cruz, who is an electrifying player (but who has his weaknesses), could undoubtedly generate interest in signing a monster contract when the time comes for him to sign. Remember that he will be a free agent at the end of the 2030 season, when he will be 28 years old.
If he really wants to get a billion dollars, he'll have to convince a team to give him a monstrous annual salary… which would exceed those of Shohei Ohtani (who is a special case, we agree) and Kyle Tucker (who signed on very short notice).
It's also logical to consider a possible salary cap as a real brake on this ambition. That said, it does make a good point: there are people in Cincinnati who see De La Cruz signing for a very, very big price sooner or later.
A billion seems a bit audacious (unless you see him sign several short-term, high-annual-salary contracts), especially since he doesn't have the track record of a guy like Ohtani or Juan Soto (who got $765M by reaching full autonomy at age 26). But on the other hand, who knows what MLB's salary reality will look like in a few years…
This content was created with the help of AI.
