Reds' All-Star notebook: Stars talk Abbott, Francona and Burns
ATLANTA — Elly De La Cruz and Andrew Abbott have different fashion plans for the red carpet on Tuesday before the All-Star Game.
When asked what he’s going to be wearing, De La Cruz smiles and says “You’ll see.”
“I have a suit made with some special stuff on the inside,” Abbott said. “Nothing too flashy. I told Elly to have that one. He can be the flashy one of the two Reds.”
Abbott’s suit will include photos of his family and his dogs. There will also be a photo of De La Cruz and Abbott at the 2022 Future’s Game.
De La Cruz and Abbott both started their quick climbs up through the farm system in the summer of 2021, made the Future’s Game in 2022 and debuted in June of 2023 on consecutive days. They’ve been a part of each other’s journeys.
“He has been really impressive,” De La Cruz said. “I’m not surprised. I’ve been playing with him since the minor leagues. I know what he can do. He’s really good. I’m not surprised.”
Abbott’s competition in the NL Central has similar reviews on the Reds’ top pitcher in 2025.
Brewers closer Trevor Megill said, “He always gives us a hard time, that’s for sure. He’s a one run game every time he faces the Brewers.”
Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan said, “He’s good, man. Every time he toes the rubber, you know what you’re going to get. He’s going to attack the zone and compete. He has great composure out there. He throws all of his pitches for strikes. He’s getting better every year.”
Abbott has been overlooked for a lot of his career. He went from an under the radar high schooler to a mid-round draft pick to a mid-tier prospect. But now, he’s an All-Star who should have success in the big leagues for a while.
“It definitely feels nice to be recognized,” Abbott said. “There’s still the humble aspect you take to it. It’s a rough sport. You never know if you’re going to make more than one. You take it and enjoy it. That’s the advice the veterans have all given me. I’m just here to have fun and enjoy the moment.”
Praise for Terry Francona
One day after Terry Francona earned his 2,000th win, he had plenty of people at the All-Star Game in Atlanta who were very happy for him.
David Ortiz: ““It means a lot to me. Terry is like a father to me. Watching him get his 2,000th win, I feel like I’m a part of it.”
Joe Torre: “He’s real. He’s a lifer. He loves the game. I played on the same team with his dad back in the 60s. Automatically, I became close with Terry. You couldn’t tell one day to the next. He hates to lose like the rest of us. He’s excited about the game of baseball. I’ve always admired that. I’m happy to say he’s a friend. I texted him yesterday. He got right back to me.”
Steven Kwan: “It’s awesome. Seeing him do his thing — inspiring players, he’s so good at that. He deserves it. If it’s up to him, he’ll probably go for another 1,000 wins if he can. He loves the game. You can feel that when you’re playing for him. It’s not a job for him. It’s a passion.”
Checking in on the Díaz brothers
Mets All-Star closer Edwin Díaz said that a change of scenery has been a good thing for former Reds All-Star Alexis Díaz, who Cincinnati traded at the end of May.
“(Alexis) went to a really good organization,” Edwin Díaz said. “I’m really happy for him. He’s really happy there. I can’t wait to see him in the big leagues again.He was pitching in Triple-A. He wanted to go back to the big leagues. When he found out he got traded, he was really happy. It’s a new adventure. I’m really happy for him. He’s doing really good.”
Fans of Burns
CC Sabathia has followed Chase Burns for years.
“I think he’s great,” Sabathia said. “I’m excited for him. Any time you get a chance to pitch in big time college baseball, you come out ahead of the curve. He’s well ahead of where a rookie pitcher should be. It’s fun to watch him pitch and see him understand the sequencing and pitching inside and all the things you need to be successful. He’s got it at a young age. I’m excited for him.”
Sabathia took note of Burns’ stellar MLB debut, and he also took note of how Burns handled his very rough Game 2 in MLB.
“His stuff is right there with anybody else’s,” Sabathia said. “I love the way he’s aggressive in the strike zone. He’s going to have games where he gives up runs like he did in his second start. But it’s all about throwing strikes. I’d much rather somebody get hit off the mound than walk guys. I love where he’s at.”
Sabathia is very close with Hunter Greene, and he’s a big fan of the rotation the Reds are building.
“They can grow together,” Sabathia said. “It’s similar to me and Cliff Lee. That worked out for us. Hopefully those two can have that type of relationship and push each other.”
Red Sox All-Star starter Garrett Crochet and Burns are both former Tennessee Volunteers (Burns ended up transferring to Wake Forest). When the Reds were at Fenway Park, they met for a long conversation.
“He’s a rookie and he has no fear of throwing 100 mph,” Crochet said. “That’s one of the best things. He has always had really good stuff. He’s a really special player. He has a dynamic arm, that’s for sure.”