If you’ve watched a single Cincinnati Reds game over the last couple of years, you’ve seen him. He's that 6'5" blur of electrified motion, a switch-hitting anomaly who seems to reach first base before the catcher even receives the ball. But for fans standing in the team shop or scrolling through jersey listings, one specific question always pops up: what number is Elly De La Cruz?
He wears number 44.
It’s not just a random digit assigned by a computer. In Cincinnati, that number carries the weight of history, echoing the legacy of franchise legends and setting the stage for what might be the most toolsy player the city has ever seen.
The Story Behind Number 44
Honestly, the choice of 44 for De La Cruz feels like a hand-off from destiny. When he was first called up in June 2023, the Reds clubhouse manager, Rick Stowe, made a very deliberate decision. He didn't just give the kid a high "prospect number" like 70 or 82. He gave him the 44.
Why? Because of Eric Davis.
If you grew up watching the Big Red Machine era or the late 80s Reds, Eric Davis was the guy. He was the original power-speed freak. We're talking about a man who could hit 30 homers and steal 80 bases in his sleep. Davis has actually spent significant time mentoring Elly in the minor leagues and during Spring Training. By wearing 44, De La Cruz isn't just playing a game; he's honoring the man who paved the way for "positionless" superstars.
Elly has been vocal about this connection. He’s mentioned in several interviews how much of an honor it is to represent Davis’s legacy. It’s a lot of pressure, sure. But if anyone can handle the comparisons to a Reds Hall of Famer, it’s a guy who throws 100 mph across the diamond and hits 450-foot bombs from both sides of the plate.
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Is 44 a "Shortstop Number"?
Traditionally? No. Not even close.
Usually, shortstops wear "middle infielder" numbers—the single digits or the low teens. Think Derek Jeter (2), Barry Larkin (11), or Ozzie Smith (1). Seeing a massive, towering human at shortstop wearing 44 looks more like you’re watching an NFL linebacker or a power-hitting outfielder from the 1970s.
But that’s kind of the point with Elly.
He breaks the mold. You don't expect a guy his size to stay at shortstop, yet as we head into 2026, the Reds have doubled down on keeping him there. Despite some defensive growing pains—he led the league in errors a couple of times—his range and that absolute cannon of an arm make him a net positive. The number 44 on a shortstop is a visual reminder that we are watching a different kind of athlete.
Other Reds Who Wore 44
Before Elly took the mantle, several notable players donned the double fours in Cincinnati. It’s a bit of a mixed bag of styles:
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- Eric Davis: The gold standard. The 30/30 (and nearly 40/40) legend.
- Adam Dunn: The "Big Donkey." He was the polar opposite of Elly in terms of speed, but he provided the pure, unadulterated power that 44 often represents.
- Aristides Aquino: "The Punisher" had a historic home run tear wearing this number before fading out.
Buying the Right Jersey: What to Look For
If you’re looking to grab an Elly De La Cruz number 44 jersey, you’ve actually got a few choices now. Because his popularity exploded so fast, the market is flooded with variations.
First, there’s the City Connect jersey. You know the one—the "Cincinnati" across the chest in that futuristic, dark block lettering with the neon green-ish accents. It’s arguably the coolest jersey in baseball right now, and 44 looks particularly sharp in that font.
Then you have the classic home whites and the road grays. If you're a purist, the home white with the red "C" on the chest is the way to go. It bridges the gap between the Eric Davis era and the modern day.
Keep an eye on the "rookie" versions versus the current ones. While the number hasn't changed, some early merchandise from his minor league days in Dayton or Louisville might feature different numbers (he wore 18 for a bit with the Dayton Dragons). But for his MLB career, it has been 44 since day one.
The Future of 44 in Cincinnati
As of 2026, Elly is firmly established as the face of the franchise. He’s already a multi-time All-Star. He’s already broken records for the fastest sprint speed and the hardest infield assist.
There was some talk late in 2025 about moving him to the outfield to save his legs—he dealt with a nagging quad strain that slowed his stolen base pace in the second half of that season. If he ever does move to center field, the 44 will look even more like a tribute to Eric Davis. For now, though, he’s staying at short.
Basically, if you see someone in Cincinnati wearing a 44 jersey, they aren't talking about Adam Dunn anymore. They’re talking about the guy who can turn a routine grounder into a triple just by deciding to run a little harder.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Verify the Authenticity: If you're buying a jersey online, ensure it features the "44" with the correct Nike MLB font used from 2024 onwards.
- Check the Stats: Elly’s value fluctuates with his strikeout rate; if you're a collector, his "Number 44" rookie cards from 2023 remain the highest value items.
- Watch the Position: Keep an eye on lineup cards; while he's the primary shortstop, the Reds are using him more at DH in 2026 to keep his bat fresh for the full 162-game grind.
The number 44 isn't just a jersey assignment for Elly De La Cruz; it’s a mission statement. He’s playing to live up to the greatest athletes in Cincinnati history, and so far, he’s doing a pretty good job of it.