Eli De La Cruz Baseball Cards: Tracking the Rise of a Promising Young Player
Eli De La Cruz is a 21-year old Dominican outfielder currently in the minor league system of the Milwaukee Brewers. Signed as an international free agent in 2016, De La Cruz has shown impressive hitting skills and athleticism that have seen his prospect stock rise steadily in recent years. As a result, De La Cruz’s baseball cards have gained value as collectors and investors speculate on his future potential in Major League Baseball. Let’s take an in-depth look at De La Cruz’s background and career so far, and how it is reflected in the growing interest surrounding his rookie cards.
De La Cruz was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in 2000. He grew up playing baseball in amateur leagues around his hometown before being spotted by scouts as a raw 16-year old with intriguing physical tools. Standing 6’3″ and possessing above-average speed for his size, De La Cruz projected as a potential five-tool player down the road with development. The Brewers signed him that July for a $130,000 bonus, seeing his upside as worth investing in long-term.
De La Cruz made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League in 2017 at age 17, batting .254 with 2 home runs and 15 RBI in 47 games. While the stats were not eye-popping, scouts took notice of his smooth left-handed swing and athletic actions in the outfield. His first baseball cards from 2017 DSL Brewers Team Issue sets and 2017 Topps International reflect his status as a fresh-faced prospect at the time. Prices for these early cards range from around $5-10 based on condition and parallel variations.
In 2018, De La Cruz’s breakout season began in the Arizona Rookie League. Playing against older competition, he slashed .310/.372/.480 with 5 homers and 32 RBI in just 46 games. Scouts were impressed by his maturity and ability to make consistent hard contact against advanced pitching. This performance elevated De La Cruz into the Top 30 of Milwaukee’s system, and his 2018 cards gained more collector interest as a result. Base versions from 2018 Topps Heritage Minor League and 2018 Topps Series 2 can be acquired for $15-25.
De La Cruz continued his ascent up prospect rankings with a stellar 2019 campaign split between Low-A and High-A ball. Across both levels, he hit .322/.368/.506 with 12 homers and 76 RBI in 117 total games. He demonstrated advanced plate discipline for his age and filled up the stat sheet on a regular basis. Entering his age-19 season, De La Cruz had cemented his status as one of the Brewers’ most exciting international signings. His 2019 cards, which include prized rookie paper from Bowman Draft and Bowman Platinum, have increased in value to $30-50 range based on parallels and autographs.
The cancelled 2020 minor league season due to COVID-19 prevented De La Cruz from building on his breakout 2019. He stayed sharp by participating in the Brewers’ alternate training site throughout the summer. Going into 2021 at age 20, De La Cruz was ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Brewers’ 5th-best prospect and one of the top outfielders in the entire Low-A Central League. His burgeoning tools and track record of production made him one of the most intriguing young hitters anywhere in the minors.
De La Cruz has not disappointed so far in 2021. Playing for the Low-A Carolina Mudcats, he is slashing an incredible .342/.403/.580 with 9 homers and 46 RBI through his first 63 games. Scouts have been impressed by his advanced two-strike approach and ability to drive the ball all around the ballpark with authority. At just 20 years old, De La Cruz is dominating pitchers several years his senior on a regular basis. As a result, his 2021 cards have seen huge jumps in secondary market value in recent months. Base rookies are fetching $75-100, while autographed and numbered parallels can go for $200-500 based on scarcity.
Looking ahead, most experts believe De La Cruz will be promoted to High-A Wisconsin later this season barring injury. If he continues mashing at such a young age against better competition, a 2022 debut in Double-A or Triple-A is not out of the question. His immense talents could potentially have him MLB-ready by 2023 at age 23. As one of the top prospects in the loaded Brewers system, De La Cruz’s name will only grow more familiar to baseball fans and collectors alike. Savvy investors are stocking up on his affordable rookie cards now in anticipation of his inevitable rise to stardom.
In summary, Eli De La Cruz has developed from an unknown international amateur in 2016 to one of the brightest young stars in the minor leagues today. His ascending career path is clearly reflected through the rising values of his baseball cards over the past five years. As De La Cruz continues lighting up scoreboards in the minors, the demand for his rookie paper can only grow stronger. With his rare blend of power, speed, and hitting skills, a successful major league career seems all but certain. De La Cruz may just become one of the great bargains in the hobby if he fulfills his superstar potential. Only time will tell, but the future remains bright for this budding Brewers prospect.
