**Confirmed: Reds Appoint Brad Mills as Bench Coach, Sends Strong Message to Elly De La Cruz About His Performance**
The Cincinnati Reds have officially announced the hiring of Brad Mills as their new bench coach. Mills, who brings a wealth of experience to the role, will work alongside manager David Bell to help guide the team’s strategy and provide support to players on and off the field. This move comes as the Reds continue to build their coaching staff for the upcoming season with an eye toward improving both individual and team performance.
In a recent conversation, Mills also took the opportunity to address the young star, Elly De La Cruz, who has made headlines with his impressive performances this season. Mills offered a clear and encouraging message to De La Cruz, acknowledging the remarkable progress the 21-year-old has made since his arrival in the big leagues. He expressed his confidence in the young shortstop’s abilities and emphasized the importance of maintaining his current level of play.
Mills’ message was direct but positive: “Keep up the good work.” This statement, while brief, carries significant weight given De La Cruz’s standout performances in recent months. With the Reds looking to develop their young talent, Mills’ support serves as an important vote of confidence for the rising star, whose combination of power, speed, and defense has made him one of the most exciting players in baseball.
For De La Cruz, this endorsement is a reminder of the high expectations that come with being one of the most promising prospects in the organization. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, the team believes that with continued focus and the right guidance, he can grow into one of the league’s premier players.
Mills, who has a long career in Major League Baseball, previously served as a coach for the Houston Astros, where he gained a reputation for his strong work ethic and ability to connect with players. His experience working with young talent and managing diverse teams will be invaluable as he steps into his new role with the Reds.
The decision to bring in Mills as bench coach signals a commitment by the Reds to continue nurturing their young players while also maintaining a competitive edge. His track record suggests that he will be instrumental in helping the team develop its core players, such as De La Cruz, while navigating the demands of a full season in the majors.
As De La Cruz looks to build on his early success, having a coach like Mills by his side could prove to be an important resource. The Reds’ focus on player development has been a key part of their recent strategy, and with Mills in place, the team is sending a clear message that they are committed to growing their young stars, keeping them on track, and providing the necessary support to help them reach their full potential.
In the coming months, the relationship between Mills and De La Cruz will be one to watch closely. The Reds’ new bench coach will likely play a significant role in shaping the next phase of De La Cruz’s development as a player. Given Mills’ expertise and the trust placed in him by the organization, fans can expect the team to continue pushing forward in its efforts to build a competitive roster for the future.
In conclusion, Brad Mills’ appointment as bench coach and his clear message to Elly De La Cruz—”Keep up the good work”—illustrates the Reds’ confidence in their young talent and their commitment to player development. The combination of Mills’ experience and De La Cruz’s potential could prove to be a crucial factor in the team’s success as they aim to build a strong foundation for the seasons to come.