On their July 17 off day, the Reds invested in the future, drafting SS Steele Hall. See how the 2025 draft class is building a new foundation in Cincinnati.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Cincinnati Reds may have had a day off on the MLB calendar, but the franchise's future was working overtime. While the big-league team rested, the focus shifted to the newly completed MLB Draft and the impressive performances bubbling up from the lowest levels of the farm system. The key takeaway? The future in Cincinnati is looking faster, deeper, and more exciting than ever.
We are incredibly excited about Steele's five-tool potential and rapid development. He has a chance to be a special player for this organization for a long time.
The biggest news of the week is the official wrap-up of the 2025 MLB Draft, and all eyes are on first-round pick Steele Hall. At just 17 years old, Hall is a shortstop with game-changing speed and defensive abilities that have scouts buzzing. Reds scouting director Joe Katuska couldn't hide his excitement, praising Hall's five-tool potential and noting his rapid development. While he's years away from the majors, landing a potential cornerstone player like Hall is a massive win for the organization's long-term health.
Beyond the flashy first-round pick, the Reds' draft strategy came into sharp focus on day two: get more arms. The team spent 10 of its picks on pitchers, a clear effort to bolster organizational depth on the mound. This infusion of new talent, combined with existing high-ceiling prospects like Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder, strengthens a pipeline that will be crucial for sustained success in the coming years.
While the draft brought in new talent, the existing prospects made sure they weren't forgotten. With the full-season minor league teams on their All-Star break, the rookies in the Arizona Complex League and Dominican Summer League took center stage. Outfielder Tyson Lewis continued his torrid start to his pro career, going 2-for-3 to raise his OPS to a stellar .929. Not to be outdone, Alfredo Alcantara posted a perfect 4-for-4 day, while Jirnin Morillo smashed a two-run homer. These performances are a fantastic sign that the player development system is thriving from the ground up.
While the Great American Ball Park was quiet today, the Reds organization was anything but. The successful draft, headlined by a potential superstar in Steele Hall, combined with the continued development of prospects in the low minors, paints a very bright picture for the future. As the big-league club gets back to action, fans can rest assured that the next wave of talent is working hard and on its way.
