Elly De La Cruz is basically a human glitch in the MLB matrix. He’s 6'5", runs like a gazelle, and throws the ball across the diamond at speeds that shouldn't be legal. But if you've been watching the Cincinnati Reds lately, you probably noticed something else. His gear. Specifically, that loud, impossible-to-miss Elly De La Cruz glove that seems to change every few months.
It isn't just about "drip," though Elly has plenty of that. It’s about a 12-inch piece of leather that has to handle 100-mph exit velocities while being light enough for a guy with the fastest hands in the league.
The Current Gamer: Flamingo Pink and Sky Blue
If you're looking at what Elly is rocking right now in 2026, he’s moved into a very specific aesthetic. He’s currently favoring his Wilson A2000 EDLC44 Game Model.
Honestly, the colorway is wild. We’re talking Flamingo Pink Pro Stock leather on the palm and Buffed Sky Blue on the back. It sounds like something out of a Miami Vice fever dream, but on the turf in Cincy, it looks incredible.
Why the A2000 and not the "premium" A2K? Most people assume the A2K is better because it’s more expensive. It’s not that simple. Pros like Elly often prefer the A2000 because the leather is slightly thinner and lighter. When you’re trying to turn a double play in 0.2 seconds, every gram matters. The A2000 gives him a better "feel" for the ball. He wants to feel exactly where that pearl is hitting the pocket so he can transfer it to his throwing hand without looking.
Specs That Actually Matter
Let's talk shop for a second. You can't just walk into a sporting goods store, grab a random glove, and play shortstop like Elly.
- Model: Wilson A2000 EDLC44 (Custom DW5 Pattern)
- Size: 12 Inches
- Web: Dual Post Web
- Material: Pro Stock Leather with SuperSnakeSkin
Wait. 12 inches? That’s huge for a shortstop.
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Most MLB shortstops like Francisco Lindor or Trea Turner hover around 11.5 or 11.75 inches. A 12-inch glove is usually reserved for third basemen (the "Hot Corner") or even pitchers. But Elly is a giant. His wingspan is massive, and he uses that extra half-inch of reach to snag balls in the hole that other shortstops simply can't get to.
The SuperSnakeSkin Secret
You’ll notice some of his older models, specifically the 2024 and 2025 versions, featured a material called SuperSnakeSkin.
This is a synthetic material Wilson developed that’s half the weight of traditional leather but twice as durable. It also repels moisture. If it’s a humid night at Great American Ball Park, a full-leather glove starts to soak up sweat and rain, becoming a heavy brick on your hand. The SnakeSkin keeps Elly’s glove light and snappy all nine innings.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Pocket
There’s a common misconception that because Elly has big hands and a big glove, he wants a deep pocket to "trap" the ball.
Wrong.
He actually uses a very shallow pocket. If you look at the EDLC44 pattern, it’s designed to be flared. The fingers stay open and the pocket stays flat. This is intentional. Elly doesn't want the ball to get "stuck" in the leather. He wants it to hit the palm and immediately be available for his right hand to grab. When you're throwing 100 mph, you don't have time to dig for a grip.
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The Evolution: From Black to Neon
It’s been fun to watch the progression. When he first broke into the league, he was a bit more conservative—well, conservative for Elly. He used a lot of black leather with red accents to match the Reds' primary colors.
Then came the "Electric Elly" era.
He started collaborating with brands like Absolutely Ridiculous for his sliding mitts and leg guards (the ones that look like ice cream cones). That boldness bled into his glove choice. He realized that if he’s going to be the center of attention, he might as well look the part. The shift to the Flamingo Pink palm was a statement.
"I want to bring energy to the field," Elly has mentioned in various dugout interviews.
That energy is visible in the Gradient Bold Logos on the wrist. Instead of the classic yellow Wilson "W," his glove features a fading transition from pink to blue. It’s custom. It’s loud. It’s perfectly Elly.
Can You Actually Use This Glove?
Here is the nuance: just because you can buy the Wilson A2000 EDLC44 doesn't mean you should.
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If you are a middle infielder under the age of 14, a 12-inch glove is going to feel like a boat anchor. It’s going to hinder your development because you won't be able to control the fingers. Elly makes it look easy because he has the forearm strength of a blacksmith.
However, if you play both shortstop and third base—or if you're a utility player who occasionally wanders into the outfield—this is arguably one of the best versatile gloves on the market. The Dual Post Web is sturdy enough to handle the rocket shots at third, but the pattern is nimble enough for the middle infield.
Actionable Tips for Maintaining a Pro-Style Glove
If you decide to drop the $300+ on an Elly-spec glove, don't ruin it by shoving it in a microwave or soaking it in oil.
- The "A" Gap: Don't break it in flat. Use a mallet to create two distinct hinges. One at the thumb and one at the pinky.
- Finger Out: Elly plays with his index finger outside the glove. This provides extra protection from stingers and helps him close the glove more precisely. If you want his feel, start training your hand to stay "finger out."
- Tighten the Wrist: His game models often feature a Modified Wrist Strap. It’s designed to be pulled tighter than a standard A2000. This prevents the glove from shifting when he’s diving or making a max-effort throw.
The Elly De La Cruz glove isn't just a piece of equipment; it’s a reflection of a player who refused to fit the traditional mold of what a shortstop "should" be. Whether you love the pink leather or hate it, you can't deny the impact. He’s changed the way we look at infield gear.
To get that same "broken-in" feel, focus on working the heel of the glove while keeping the fingers stiff. This ensures the glove stays open, giving you that wide, Elly-style vacuum for anything hit your way. Focus on the pocket's transition area—that's where the magic happens.