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Having grown five inches and developed a more robust physique, De La Cruz's transformation was evident. When promoted to the Arizona Complex League, he hit nearly .400, showcasing not just raw talent but newly refined skills. His exceptional performance began attracting attention, and he quickly ascended through the Reds' minor league system.
In Double-A, he posted impressive numbers, including hitting a 512-foot home run, one of Statcast's longest recorded blasts. By the time he reached Triple-A, he displayed a marked improvement in his plate discipline, cutting down on strikeouts and leaving fans eagerly anticipating his MLB debut.