CINCINNATI (WKRC) — Elly De La Cruz is projected to receive a significant pay increase as he reaches salary arbitration for the first time, a development that could shape the Cincinnati Reds’ offseason spending decisions.
MLB Trade Rumors projects De La Cruz will earn $7.9 million in 2027, up from his roughly $800,000 salary this season. The estimate is the highest among 11 Reds players listed as arbitration eligible by the outlet and would be Cincinnati’s largest projected arbitration commitment.
The projection is not a contract offer or a salary already agreed upon. Arbitration-eligible players and clubs can still negotiate a one-year deal before exchanging salary figures, or they can proceed through the arbitration process if no agreement is reached.
MLB Trade Rumors’ model uses factors including playing time, position, role, performance and salary inflation to estimate arbitration salaries.
Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds returns to the dugout after hitting a solo home run, his 30th home run of the season, in the third inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images)
De La Cruz’s projected jump reflects the statistical résumé he built before becoming arbitration eligible. Players in the process are often rewarded for traditional production categories, including home runs, runs batted in and stolen bases.
The Reds’ projected arbitration class would cost approximately $41.6 million if every player were retained at the estimated salary. Beyond De La Cruz, Nick Lodolo and Spencer Steer are each projected at $5.7 million, while outfielder JJ Bleday is projected at $4.8 million and left-hander Andrew Abbott at $4.5 million.
Reds second baseman Matt McLain after a throw at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati during the game between the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers on April 24, 2026. (Tony Wagner Photograpy/WKRC)
Matt McLain, who is projected at $4 million, also faces an important offseason after a difficult 2026 season. The second baseman hit .185 with 15 home runs, 40 RBIs and a .608 OPS in 134 games while dealing with a calf injury.
Projected Reds arbitration salaries for 2027
Elly De La Cruz: $7.9 millionNick Lodolo: $5.7 millionSpencer Steer: $5.7 millionJJ Bleday: $4.8 millionAndrew Abbott: $4.5 millionMatt McLain: $4 millionTony Santillan: $2.5 millionGraham Ashcraft: $2.2 millionTejay Antone: $1.5 millionDane Myers: $1.5 millionBrandon Williamson: $1.3 million
The projections also arrive as Cincinnati weighs broader roster questions following a 75-87 season. The Reds can negotiate with eligible players, reach extensions, trade players or non-tender them before arbitration decisions are finalized. The team already locked in Oswaldo Cabrera, who was arbitration-eligible, on a one-year contract last week.