Reds: 3 biggest steals from Day 2 of the MLB Draft

3. Jose Torres, Reds 3rd-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft

The steal of the Cincinnati Reds draft thus far may have been their third-round pick, Jose Torres. The NC State shortstop lasted until the Reds selected him at No. 89. Torres was once the best prospect in the state of Maryland, and follows the footsteps of Trea Turner and Will Wilson, both elite-level shortstops who played for the Wolfpack.

Torres is a shortstop. There’s no question about his arm strength or his fielding ability. Shortstops are typically the most athletic players on the team, and position changes are not out of the question. It’d be shocking to see the Reds fuss around with his position, despite Cincinnati selecting shortstop Matt McLain with their first-round pick.

In all honesty, Torres may have been the best pure college shortstop in the draft. While players like McLain, Trey Sweeney, and Cody Morrisette may have rated higher than Torres, the fact is, a position change is likely for all three players at the next level.

Where Jose Torres excels defensively, he’s equally solid in the hitting department. Torres has some pop in his bat, and a career-slugging percentage of .533 at NC State suggests he can make some loud contact.

The Cincinnati Reds front office has found some gems in this draft, and it continues today with Rounds 11-20. Might Cincinnati sneak a few more steals past other MLB clubs on the final day of the 2021 MLB Draft. We’ll have to wait and see.