Cincinnati Reds’ post-draft timeline off to a great start

The Cincinnati Reds signed seventeen of their ’17 draft picks to a contract in the first two weeks.

The Cincinnati Reds signed Ryan Nutof as the first player to a contract from the 2017 draft.  Nutof is a pitcher from the Universiry of Michigan who grew up outside Chicago.  The Reds drafted him in the 16th round and, like Scott Feldman, he bats left but throws right.

The second pitcher signed is another righty in pitcher Connor Ryan.  Ryan threw for the University Illinois (Chicago) in college.  They’re in the Horizon League, home of the Homer Drew at Valparaiso.

Then the Reds’ signed lefty Packy Naughton from Virginia Tech.  After being drafted in the ninth round, Naughton projects as a lefty specialist with some potential upside.  Just hearing Marty Brennaman say Packy Naughton will make this pick worth it even though he is one of a series of risky picks..

Next the Reds’ signed right-hander Robby Howell out of the University of Central Florida.  Howell tied the program record with 50 career starts and ranked fourth with 26 wins.  He pitched against the Cincinnati Bearcats as part of the American Athletic Conference, so the Reds have plenty of ways to get information on Howell.

More from Reds Draft

• Reds 15th-round pick in 2021 MLB Draft could be diamond in the rough
• Reds: 3 biggest steals from Day 2 of the MLB Draft
• Reds: 3 prospects Cincinnati should target in Round 2 of the MLB Draft
• Reds grab massive steal selecting Matt McLain in the MLB Draft
• Reds: Who do the experts say Cincinnati will select in the MLB Draft?

The last player that the Reds signed on the first day of signing draft picks was righty Tyler Buffett.  He pitched a complete game against West Virginia in Big 12 play and threw 99 pitches, which is better than most Reds’ pitchers can say.  For fans of the BBC classic Keeping Up Appearances, you can decide whether his name should be pronounced like the singer of Margaritaville or the place you go after winning big at the casino.

The Cincinnati Reds have signed twelve more draft picks since that first day and look ready to start rookie ball.

The great thing about getting off to such a fast start is that they can plan who is going where.  Some players will start in Dayton, while most will start in rookie ball or defer until next summer.  The Reds are fairly liberal when it comes to start dates.

Want your voice heard? Join the Blog Red Machine team!

Write for us!

Signing players early makes the assigning of players to teams more judicious.  Shortstops Cash Case and Jeter Downs will likely start on different teams, so that both can try to etch out a starting role.  The situation with pitchers is only a little bit different.  Here is an updated list of the Reds’ signees.

Next: Bring a food donation and get a free ticket...YES!!!

The fans can already visualize when the new draft picks will make it to Cincinnati.  As the 2017 season slowly unravels, the tapestry of the future comes into play.  It is only a matter of time before Marty is announcing Packy making his way in from the pen.