Cincinnati Reds reportedly agree to deal with power-hitter Tyler Callihan

The Cincinnati Reds have reportedly signed one of their most prized selections from this past weeks’ MLB Draft. Tyler Callihan and the Reds have come to terms on a deal.

According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Cincinnati Reds and their third-round pick Tyler Callihan have agreed to terms on a deal. Callihan was drafted with the No. 85 pick in the MLB Draft and reportedly signed a deal that’s well over slot value.

Heyman reports that Callihan’s deal includes a $1.5M signing bonus. Callihan’s deal reflects that of a player who was drafted in the second round, not the third. However, this shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Callihan was the No. 35 prospect in the draft according to MLB.com.

Tyler Callihan was part of the 18-and-Under National Team that won the Pan America Championship in Panama. A native of Neptune Beach, Florida, Callihan is a player without a defined position. He’s seen time at second and third base as well as shortstop.

Callihan’s commitment to South Carolina is obviously voided by his new deal. The 6’1″, 200-pound Callihan is a better athlete than most fans might think, however, his speed is rated below-average.  Although, a home run trot doesn’t require a great deal of speed, and Tyler Callihan is surely going to be hitting some of those.

Tyler Callihan’s power is his biggest asset. He has a plus hit tool and average power, but at just 18 years old, Callihan’s power is only going to increase. Don’t be surprised, when the new rankings come out, for Callihan’s overwhelming potential to place him among the Top 10, or at least the Top 15, in the Reds farm system according to MLB Pipeline.

Being a prep star, don’t expect Callihan to make his debut in the big leagues anytime soon. Callihan is will likely follow the same path that current minor leaguer Mike Siani is on. Siani was drafted in the fourth round last year, but received first-round money to sign with the Cincinnati Reds.

Siani spent his first professional season on the Reds’ rookie team in Greenville and he’s now with the Class-A Dayton Dragons. So far this season, Siani is slashing .209/.312/.326 after going for .288/.351/.386 last season.

Tyler Callihan and Mike Siani will likely cross paths at some point during their trek through the minor leagues. Hopefully Callihan can continue to develop his game and reward the Cincinnati Reds in the future for having the wherewithal to draft him in Round 3 and pay him over slot value.