The agency dismissed a campaign finance watchdog complaint after finding no evidence Cruz “solicited, directed, received, transferred, or spent the funds.”

A podcast distribution deal sending hundreds of thousands of dollars to a political action committee that supports U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz does not violate election laws, the Federal Election Commission decided.

De La Cruz is hoping to build off a promising All-Star campaign in 2024. In 160 games last season, the shortstop led the big leagues in strikeouts (218) but also batted .259/.339/.471 with 25 homers and 67 stolen bases. He became the first player in MLB history to notch at least 100 stolen bases and 30 homers over his first two seasons.

In the Cincinnati Reds ' Cactus League opener against the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark, De La Cruz homered in his first two at-bats. Both were solo shots to approximately the same spot on the grass berm in left-center field.