Red Sox Player Spotlight: Jorge De La Cruz
Position: Relief Pitcher (Closer)
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Professional Background: Washington Nationals Organization
Athletic Background
Jorge De La Cruz brings professional experience and a calm, confident presence to the back end of the Brantford Red Sox bullpen. The Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native began his professional baseball career in the Washington Nationals organization, where he developed as a hard-throwing right-handed reliever. Standing 6-foot-4, De La Cruz has built his reputation on attacking hitters, throwing strikes, and thriving in high-pressure situations.
His professional experience has translated seamlessly to the Canadian Baseball League, where he has quickly become one of Brantford's most dependable late-inning arms.
2026 Season Stats
Appearances: 9
Record: 0-0
Saves: 3
Innings Pitched: 11.1
ERA: 1.59
Strikeouts: 19
Walks: 4
WHIP: 1.32
Locking Down the Ninth
Whenever the Red Sox hold a late lead, De La Cruz is often the pitcher called upon to finish the job.
Through his first nine appearances of the 2026 season, he has posted an outstanding 1.59 ERA while recording three saves and striking out 19 batters in just 11.1 innings. His ability to generate swings and misses has made him one of the league's toughest relievers to face, averaging more than 15 strikeouts per nine innings.
One of his biggest strengths has been his consistency under pressure. Whether preserving a one-run lead or protecting a comeback victory, De La Cruz has repeatedly delivered in the game's biggest moments, giving the Red Sox confidence whenever he takes the mound.
His outstanding first half of the season also earned him selection as a 2026 CBL All-Star reserve, where he represented Brantford with a scoreless inning of relief, allowing no hits while recording a strikeout.
Why He's One to Watch
The closer's role is one of the most challenging jobs in baseball, requiring confidence, composure, and the ability to perform under pressure. Jorge De La Cruz has embraced that challenge all season long.
His experience, overpowering stuff, and ability to finish games have made him an invaluable part of the Red Sox bullpen and one of the league's top relief pitchers.
As the season continues, expect #37 Jorge De La Cruz to keep shutting the door and giving the Red Sox every opportunity to turn late leads into victories.
Be sure to keep an eye on #37 Jorge De La Cruz as he continues to anchor the Brantford Red Sox bullpen throughout the 2026 season.