At every level, Carlos De La Cruz has always been the tallest player on his team.
In his second season with Double-A Reading, the trend continues for De La Cruz, as the 6-9 first baseman/outfielder is the tallest player on the Fightin Phils’ roster, despite being incorrectly listed at 6-8. If he makes the big leagues, he will be the tallest position player in MLB history, one inch taller than Tony Clark and Nate Freiman. Pitchers Jon Rauch and Sean Hjelle, listed at 6-11, are the tallest players in major league history.
“When playing first, I have a big reach,” De La Cruz said about his height and long arms. “I’ve always tried to use it (to my advantage).”
De La Cruz’s size is both an advantage and disadvantage, forcing him to adapt throughout his career. The Yonkers, N.Y., native is ranked as Philadelphia’s No. 8 prospect by MLB Pipeline.
“I have to know myself,” De La Cruz said. “I won’t be able to get to every pitch.”
Despite the challenges, De La Cruz, 23, is in the midst of his best offensive season of his career. Through Wednesday, he leads Reading with 109 hits, 18 home runs and 59 runs scored, and ranks second with 52 RBIs.
“He’s getting a better idea of the plate,” Fightin Phils manager Al Pedrique said. “He’s starting to drive the ball the other way, which is what we’re looking for — a kid that has power to the other field. He’s getting the ball up a little bit, hitting the ball the other way on a consistent basis.”
De La Cruz reached base in 38 straight games from mid-May to late June, the longest streak by a Reading player since at least 2009, according to the Fightin Phils. His 33 walks this season are a career high.
“I was working the counts the way I should,” De La Cruz said about the streak. “Putting myself in a position to keep getting on base every day.”
A graduate of George Washington High School in New York City, De La Cruz went undrafted in 2017. The Phillies signed him to a minor league contract in August 2017, and he played 43 games at the Rookie level in 2018.
De La Cruz played for Single-A Lakewood (now High-A Jersey Shore) in 2019, posting a .220 batting average. He struck out 159 times in 117 games.
After the 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, De La Cruz split time between the Rookie-level Florida Complex League Phillies, Single-A Clearwater and High-A Jersey Shore in 2021. He hit just .181 across the three levels, but posted a .242 batting average in 17 games with the BlueClaws at the end of the season.
De La Cruz carried that momentum into 2022 and finished with a career-high 99 hits and 17 homers in 102 games split between Jersey Shore and Reading. With the Fightin Phils, he hit .278 in 38 games.
“I feel like I had to change my approach,” De La Cruz said about playing in Double-A. “Every day you have to grind. It’s just a game of adjustments.”
Ahead of the 2023 season, De La Cruz was invited to Philadelphia’s big league spring training, where he had the opportunity to talk with several players. He said he learned a lot from Edmundo Sosa, a utility infielder.
“He gave me a couple tips just helping me understand the zone better,” De La Cruz said. “Picking pitches on when you want to hit. I thank him.”
The advice has helped, as De La Cruz’s .282 batting average and .478 slugging percentage rank second among Reading players with at least 275 at-bats. His .353 on-base percentage is a career high.
“We’ve been pleased with the way he goes about his business,” Pedrique said. “His preparation is off the charts.”
An outfielder for his entire career, De La Cruz is learning how to also play first base. He has played first in 41 games this season, which has been a major change.
“It’s been a pretty big adjustment just getting used to it,” De La Cruz said. “I’m just taking it day-by-day.”
Despite the adjustment, De La Cruz has committed just two errors at the new position.
“Overall, we are pleased with where he is at,” Pedrique said. “It’s still a work in progress. He’s very coachable. He will try anything he can to make him better.”
De La Cruz has also played 12 games in left field, nine in center and 15 in right. He considers right field his natural and best position, however, he enjoys playing center the most.
“You’re always in action,” De La Cruz said about center field. “I can do a lot of things out there.”
While he is often quiet and relaxed, Pedrique said De La Cruz is not afraid to speak up around his teammates.
“He’s a guy that can take charge in the clubhouse,” Pedrique said. “He’s a great teammate. He cares for his teammates.”
As he strives to ultimately reach the majors, De La Cruz is not trying to overcomplicate things.
“Just keep playing the game I’m playing,” De La Cruz said. “Just keep going and believe in myself, trust myself and build my confidence.”
