Elly De La Cruz Teases Future Home Run Derby Participation, 'I Think I Can Win'

Elly De La Cruz has turned into a strong home run hitter, and he teased a potential appearance in the Home Run Derby on Monday.

During ESPN's broadcast of the Home Run Derby, De La Cruz said he'd like to participate at some point, and even thinks he could take home the crown.

"I would like to do this at some point, not now, but at some point I would like to do it," he said. "...I think I can win it."

De La Cruz, who earned his second All-Star appearance this season, has 18 home runs, 63 RBI and a .284 batting average heading into the All-Star break. He's on pace for career-highs in both homers and RBI.

De La Cruz was invited to the Home Run Derby, just as he was last year, but declined. Per the Cincinnati Enquirer's Gordon Wittenmyer, he chose not to participate because of the physical strain from the event and his desire to stay locked in on the Reds' season.

“The time is going to come,” he said. “But not now.”