Former Home Run Derby winner cautions star rookie against participating in event

Cincinnati Reds rookie sensation Elly De La Cruz has quickly burst onto the MLB scene with a thunderbolt bat and lightning-quick speed. De La Cruz's rise has his name in the running for this year's Home Run Derby, but former Reds All-Star Todd Frazier believes the rookie should steer clear. 

"All-Star game, yeah, but Home Run Derby – if you want excitement, yeah, put him on there," Frazier told Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer. " But if I was him I would tread lightly doing it."  

Frazier, who played five seasons with the Reds, isn't just an outside voice looking to sway the rookie's decision. He's an expert on the issue, having participated in three derbies, winning it in 2015. The two-time All-Star spoke about the toll the derby took on him, noting that he had trouble finding his "niche" after the All-Star break. Frazier also admitted to struggling in the second half of that season and warned the young rookie of the same possible consequences should he go to Seattle to hit dingers. 

"I think it'd be pretty cool," Frazier said. "But I just don't think this might be the year for it, since the team is doing well, too." 

While Frazier means well, the talk may be all for naught. De La Cruz has yet to confirm whether he will take part in the derby, telling reporters in mid-June that he would know when and if he's asked to participate. 

Roughly a month into his Major League career, De La Cruz seems capable of anything right now, especially winning the derby. De La Cruz smashed the hardest-hit ball in the minors or Majors this season in May, with the connection clocking at 118.8 mph. Though, that's only a taste of what De La Cruz is capable of achieving.

The 21-year-old has already recorded the fastest home-to-third time in baseball this season and become the youngest player in a half-century to hit for the cycle. However, whether a power exhibition is worth potentially derailing his remarkable rookie campaign will be up to De La Cruz.