One playoff team has proven the Reds' draft gamble works (but something's missing)

The Cincinnati Reds’ decision to select prep shortstop Steele Hall with the ninth overall pick in the 2025 Draft came as something of a surprise. After all, Cincinnati had often been linked to pitching prospects, but the team did take the position of drafting the best available player instead of looking for a specific need. The problem here is Hall is entering a crowded shortstop picture in the Reds’ farm system. In order to relieve the logjam, the Reds need to look west…NL West that is.

The San Diego Padres know a thing or two about having too many shortstops. Seven of San Diego’s starters have big-league innings at the position, and Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Jose Iglesias were all primarily shortstops before accepting a position change for the betterment of the team. And lest we forget, Jackson Merrill was drafted as a shortstop before giving center a try before the 2024 season.

The Reds need to shake up their shortstop prospects to maximize value

The Padres took talented, athletic players — the type of players that typically excel at short – and put those skills to good use elsewhere. The Pittsburgh Pirates have done a similar thing with Oneil Cruz.

The Reds, who have three top 10 prospects and now a first-round pick wedged behind Elly De La Cruz on the depth chart, need to begin assessing these players for positional flexibility.

Edwin Arroyo, one of the sharpest fielders at the position, has made further defensive strides in Double-A this season. He’s seen a handful of games at second or third, but as a shortstop through-and-through, he may be more likely to be traded than to be shifted to a new position. Sammy Stafura has the arm and footwork to eventually try the outfield, and Tyson Lewis profiles well as a third baseman. 

Luckily, the Reds have a few years to figure all these things out. Hall is only 17 years old, and Stafura and Lewis won’t be in the majors until 2027 at the earliest. Meanwhile, De La Cruz, who has chafed against suggestions of changing position, will be the go-to option at short until after the 2029 season.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors