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MLB Draft expert thinks Reds could be in prime position to land first round steal

ByEric Cole|
President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall takes questions during an event to introduce the new manager of the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024.
President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall takes questions during an event to introduce the new manager of the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds have a somewhat awkward draft position at first glance in 2025. Most experts agree that there is a very clear tier of about 10 draft prospects at the top of the draft and then there is a clear drop-off in talent.

On paper, that means that the Reds will either end up with the top 10's scraps or they are going to have to make a pick that could be a reach. However, the way things are breaking at the moment, Cincinnati could end up with the player they covet most.

One draft demographic that most teams really, really don't like to pick highly in the MLB Draft are high school right-handed pitchers because of how poor a track record those picks have. However, one of the better prospects in this year's draft class, Seth Hernandez, is a high school righty. According to ESPN's draft guru Kiley McDaniel, the risk inherent with Hernandez, as well as college lefty Liam Doyle, could allow one or both players to somehow be available when the Reds pick.

Stage is set for the Reds to land either Seth Hernandez or Liam Doyle in the 2025 MLB Draft

According to McDaniel, there are at least five teams in the top 10 that won't pick Hernandez not because of anything other than he is a high school righty. If that is true, the Reds only have to float him past another unknown three teams to end up with a kid with an electric mid-to-upper 90's fastball and double-plus changeup with the #9 overall pick.

Doyle is a bit trickier to project. While he is a college lefty which isn't likely to deter any team, Doyle's high effort delivery and reliever risk despite his high octane stuff very well could (and will) turn some teams off especially if he isn't willing to sign significantly under slot. Doyle dropping to 9 is probably less likely, but could also give the Reds another solid option.

All things considered, everything seems to be shaping up for the Reds to add a top 5 level talent in the first round despite their draft position. There is still a lot to consider including how they want to manage their $11,836,800 draft bonus pool, but it seems like the Reds are in great shape from the start.

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