Background and Amateur Career
Bryan De La Cruz was born on December 16, 1996, in Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic. De La Cruz signed as an international free agent with the Houston Astros in 2013. His early years were marked by steady but unspectacular progress, and he was not considered a top-tier prospect until later in his minor league career.

Minor League Development
De La Cruz spent several years climbing the ranks of the Astros’ system, eventually breaking out in 2021 with the Triple-A Sugar Land Skeeters. That season, he posted career-best numbers including a .324 batting average and a .518 slugging percentage, along with 12 home runs. His improved swing mechanics and ability to elevate the ball helped him stand out, and he was traded midseason to the Miami Marlins in exchange for reliever Yimi Garcia. After the trade, he immediately earned a starting role in Miami and impressed with a .296 average and .783 OPS over 58 games.

Major League Performance
Since his debut in 2021, De La Cruz has played for the Marlins, Pirates, Braves, and most recently, the Yankees organization. His best season came in 2023 when he hit .257 with 19 home runs and 78 RBI across 153 games. However, his production dipped in 2024, with a .233 average and .654 OPS over 149 games. In 2025, through limited action, he struggled with a .191 average and a .453 OPS. Over his MLB career, he has accumulated 436 hits, 58 home runs, and a .251 batting average. His career OPS sits at .698, which is below league average.

Sabermetric Profile
Statcast data paints a mixed picture. His average exit velocity is solid at 91.5 mph, and his hard-hit rate is an impressive 51.7 percent, suggesting he makes strong contact when he connects. However, his barrel rate is just 6.9 percent, and his expected stats—like xwOBA (.248), xBA (.207), and xSLG (.307)—indicate underperformance relative to his contact quality. He chases pitches outside the zone 32.9 percent of the time and has a high whiff rate of 34 percent, contributing to a strikeout rate of 36 percent and a walk rate of only 6 percent. These numbers highlight issues with plate discipline and pitch recognition.

Defensive Metrics and Versatility
Defensively, De La Cruz has played all three outfield positions, though he’s most often seen in left and right field. His Outs Above Average (OAA) and Arm Value both register at zero, suggesting league-average performance. He’s considered an above-average runner with a sprint speed of 27.8 feet per second, and his arm strength is rated as plus. Scouts have noted his ability to handle corner outfield spots reliably, with some fringe capability in center field.

Overall Assessment
Bryan De La Cruz is a physically gifted outfielder with raw power and solid tools, but his inconsistent plate discipline and declining offensive production have limited his ceiling. While he once looked like a potential everyday starter, he now profiles more as a fourth outfielder or depth piece. His ability to play multiple positions and hit for occasional power keeps him in the mix, but unless he improves his approach at the plate, he may struggle to hold a regular role at the major league level.