Rece Hinds' breakout did not influence Reds' first-round draft decision, or did it?

There's been a lot of blowback on social media following the Cincinnati Reds' first-round selection of Chase Burns. The right-hander from Wake Forest was taken No. 2 overall in the 2024 MLB Draft despite the fact that Charlie Condon was still on the board. The University of Georgia slugger was taken one pick later by the Colorado Rockies.

A lot of Reds Country vented their frustration at Burns' selection, not so much because of the player he is, but because Condon was viewed by many fans and major league scouts as the best player in the draft. There's also the longstanding idea that taking a pitcher so early in the draft — especially when a prized hitter like Condon is still available — carries much more risk than grabbing a position player.

For those reasons, and others, the Cincinnati faithful have largely bemoaned the Reds' pick. Reds fans argued all season about the team's need for a right-handed hitting power-bat, and when the opportunity presented itself, they passed. Cincinnati didn't allow the recent surge from rookie outfielder Rece Hinds to sway their judgment, did they?

Rece Hinds' breakout did not influence Reds' first-round draft decision, or did it?

Hinds was called up to the big leagues just last week; and what a week it was for the former second-round draft pick. In 26 at-bats, Hinds is hitting .423/.464/.1.192 with nine of his 11 hits going for extra bases. This isn't Aristides Aquino, folks. This is something much different.

Hinds' time in the minor leagues was always hindered by injury and a high strikeout rate. But through his first week in The Show, Hinds has shown a good knowledge of the strike zone and has done damage on more than just fastballs down the middle.

But did this past week's display of dominance from Hinds have any impact whatsoever on the Reds' first-round draft choice? The Reds' front office and scouting department would never tell you if it did, and if you look at Cincinnati's most recent track record of drafting players, Condon doesn't necessarily fit the team's philosophy.

The Reds needed pitching depth in the minor leagues

While fans may disagree, the Reds like to find up-the-middle players like catchers, shortstops, and pitchers. Condon is stuck at third base, and perhaps could become a serviceable outfielder. Hinds himself was a former third baseman who's now occupying right field in the big leagues.

Though not currently on the major league roster, the Reds have young players like Cam Collier, Sal Stewart, and Edwin Arroyo (who's out for the year with a shoulder inury) down on the farm. There's also outfield prospects like Carlos Jorge, Hector Rodriguez, and Jay Allen II in the team's pipeline.

On the pitching side, however, the Reds need a little more depth. Graham Ashcraft took a step back this season, and Connor Phillips needed a trip to Arizona to rework his mechanics after posting a 10.11 ERA at Triple-A. Chase Petty has struggled at Double-A, and Ty Floyd is out with an injury. The only Reds' pitching prospect who's truly excelling this season is Julian Aguiar.

There's no exact science to selecting players in the MLB Draft, and while this pick could come back to haunt the Reds if Burns flounders and Condon becomes a perennial All-Star, Hinds' presence on the Reds' roster had little to no effect on Cincinnati's first-round selection.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors