“Look at Aaron Judge”: Sean Casey lashes out at Elly De La Cruz for lack of athleticism

After having an impressive 2024 MLB season, Elly De La Cruz will be heading into the new season with a mission to improve his performance all while helping the Cincinnati Reds qualify for the playoffs and win a World Series Championship. While Cruz has often been praised for his skills, ex-Yankees head coach Sean Casey recently lashed out at the shortstop for his techniques.

Sean Casey suggests Elly De La Cruz to follow Aaron Judge's hitting technique

In an episode of "The Mayor's Office" podcast, the former head coach of New York Yankees Sean Casey lashed out at Elly De La Cruz for his low "athleticism". Casey suggested Cruz follow the "heat map" of Yankees' captain Aaron Judge, considering how it has worked wonders for the team.

"You're 6'5", 6'7"—you’ve got to get your arms extended. You're not using your height, your length, or your athleticism. Go look at Aaron Judge’s heat map—he does so much damage middle-away," Casey said.

Moving forward in the podcast episode, Sean Casey asked Elly De La Cruz to take inspiration from boxing legend Mike Tyson's special knockout style. Talking about how the special style can be implemented in Cruz's techniques, Casey further added:


"When a boxer throws a punch fully extended and catches you on the chin, it rattles you, but it doesn’t knock you out. But if I can get you close, like Tyson used to get in on guys, and I make contact, then go through you—I’m gonna knock you out. It’s the same thing with baseball. You’ve got to be able to get the ball on you and then get through it."
"When a boxer throws a punch fully extended and catches you on the chin, it rattles you, but it doesn’t knock you out. But if I can get you close, like Tyson used to get in on guys, and I make contact, then go through you—I’m gonna knock you out. It’s the same thing with baseball. You’ve got to be able to get the ball on you and then get through it."

Elly De La Cruz made headlines previously when he talked about his major goals for the 2025 MLB season to help the Reds win a World Series Championship. Do you think Cruz will be able to improve his performance this season, as suggested by Sean Casey?