Reds double down on draft philosophy after surprisingly taking Chase Burns in Round 1

The Cincinnati Reds selected Wake Forest pitcher Chase Burns in Round 1 of the 2024 MLB Draft. The pick drew a lot of criticism from the fanbase — especially with Georgia slugger Charlie Condon still on the board.

Nonetheless, Burns was the pick and it shouldn't come as a shock that the Reds went the with right-hander at No. 2 overall. As Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer correctly pointed out, the Reds have built their farm system with an emphasis on up-the-middle players (catchers, centerfielders, shortstops, and starting pitchers).

So it's not surprising that Cincinnati doubled down on that same philosophy with picks No. 51 and No. 71 to close out the festivities during Day 1 of the 2024 MLB Draft. The Reds added high school shortstop Tyson Lewis with their second-round selection and LSU starter Luke Holman with their competitive balance pick.

Reds finish out Day 1 of 2024 MLB Draft with Tyson Lewis and Luke Holman

The MLB Draft is an inexact science. While most often fans cite the idea of taking the best player available, this year's draft took on a different tone after watching the Reds slog through the first-half of the 2024 season with one of the worst offenses in the league. The Reds' .231 team batting average ranks 26th among all major league ball clubs this season.

But the truth of the matter is that Cincinnati has been decimated by injuries to several of their top hitters this season. Had Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Matt McLain, and TJ Friedl been healthy all season, this Reds' offense would likely have looked much different.

So while Burns' selection in Round 1 came as a bit of a surprise, adding Lewis and Holman are just the type of value picks Reds' fans love to see the Cincinnati front office bring into the fold. Lewis ranked 39th among all draft-eligible prospects on MLB Pipeline's big board and was taken with the 51st pick. Holman ranked 45th and was taken at No. 71.

Last year, the Reds took pitchers Rhett Lowder and Ty Floyd with their first two picks and then grabbed Sammy Stafura and Hunter Hollan in Rounds 2 and 3. While fans may question the logic behind selecting pitchers, catchers, centerfielders, and shortstops early in the draft, it's been the club's philosophy over the past few years.

There are exceptions (Cam Collier and Sal Stewart), of course, but the Reds have been steadfast in their approach to the drafting process. Day 1 of the 2024 MLB Draft was no different.

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