On their July 16 day off, the Reds bolstered their top-ranked farm system with the 2025 MLB Draft. See how prospects like Kien Vu fit into their future plans.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
While the Cincinnati Reds enjoyed a well-deserved day off on Wednesday, the real story wasn't on a major league field, but in the front office and across the minor leagues. The focus shifted squarely to the future, with a newly completed MLB Draft class injecting a fresh wave of talent into what is already one of baseball's most respected and productive farm systems.
Five Reds prospects are ranked in MLB Pipeline's Top 100, tying for third most in the league.
The Reds' 2025 draft strategy was clear: build a pitching arsenal. The team selected 12 pitchers, balancing them with athletic position players. Among the notable picks were outfielders Mason Neville (4th round) and Eli Pitts (5th round), who bring high-upside tools to the system. But the potential steal of the draft might be 9th-round outfielder Kien Vu from Arizona State, who posted a staggering 1.059 OPS. Director of Amateur Scouting Joe Katuska lauded Vu's selection, signaling high confidence in his bat. This class smartly blends high school potential with proven college performers, perfectly supplementing the existing talent pipeline.
The new draft picks are joining an already elite group. MLB Pipeline's latest update confirmed the Reds' embarrassment of riches, with five prospects landing in the Top 100, tied for third-most in all of baseball. The top of the list remains a murderer's row of future stars: RHP Chase Burns and RHP Rhett Lowder are already contributing at the MLB level, while infielders Sal Stewart (a 2025 All-Star Futures Game selection) and Cam Collier are thriving at Double-A. This sustained excellence is a testament to the organization's scouting and development, ensuring the big league club will be fed with high-impact talent for years to come.
Even at the lowest rungs of the system, the work continues. In the Dominican Summer League, the DSL Reds fell in a tight 8-7 contest on Tuesday. Despite the loss, there were promising signs of development. Pablo Nunez showcased excellent plate discipline, reaching base four times with a hit and three walks, while Adolfo Sanchez chipped in with a hit, a walk, a run, and an RBI. It's a reminder that from the DSL to the MLB, the Reds are focused on building talent at every single level.
While Great American Ball Park was quiet, the Reds' organization was anything but. The influx of new talent from the draft combined with the continued excellence of the current prospect crop paints a vivid picture of a sustainable winner in Cincinnati. As the big league club rests up, fans can rest easy knowing the future is not just bright—it's stacked.
