Cincinnati Reds: Power-hitting 2nd-rounder signed over slot value

Rece Hinds, one of the top power-hitters on the high school baseball circuit, has come to an agreement with the Cincinnati Reds.

Rece Hinds, the 49th overall pick in this year’s MLB Draft, has signed an agreement with the Cincinnati Reds and will not be attending LSU. According to Jim Callis of MLB.com, Hinds signed for over slot value at $1,797,500. The slot value for the Reds’ second-round selection was $1,507,600.

Hinds brings a power bat to the Reds farm system. Ranked as the No. 42 overall prospect in this year’s draft by MLB.com, Hinds is a power-hitting third baseman that could find his way to the outfield according to Callis.

There is some concern regarding Hinds’ hit tool, but there’s no denying his power. On the scouts 20-80 grading scale, Hinds power is sitting at 60, which is phenomenal considering his age. Hinds doesn’t turn 19-years old until September 5th.

Hinds makes it 3-for-3 for the Cincinnati Reds in terms of signing their Top 3 picks from this June’s MLB Draft. The first to sign was third-rounder Tyler Callihan, another power hitting prep playe Callihan, like Hinds signed a deal worth more than his slot value.

Nick Lodolo, the Reds’ first-round selection, is also in the fold. Lodolo received the full $5,432,200 that accompanied the No. 7 overall pick. Lodolo was slated to head off to Arizona before the Reds decided where he’ll begin his professional career. There’s a possibility that Lodolo may skip rookie ball and head straight to Class-A Dayton.

That will not be the case for both Rece Hinds and Tyler Callihan, as the prep stars will likely begin their careers at either Billings or Greenville. Both Hinds (Louisiana State) and Callihan (South Carolina) had committed to SEC schools.

This commitment to power-hitting high schoolers seems like a bit of a departure from previous drafts where the Reds’ front office seemed more focused on getting advanced college hitters. Cincinnati took Nick Senzel (2016) and Jonathan India (2018) in two of the last drafts with their first-round picks.

Regardless, I love that the Cincinnati Reds have locked up all three of their top picks. Lodolo has the makings of key rotation piece and both Hinds and Callihan, depending on their development, could bring some pop to the middle of the Reds lineup in the near future. Kudos to Dick Williams and Nick Krall for making these selections and getting the deals done.