Latest mock draft forecasts college hurler to the Reds in Round 1

The Major League Baseball Draft is about a month away, and it's one of the most exciting times of the year for teams and their fans. It is an especially exciting time for Reds Country, as Cincinnati holds three of the top 50 picks, including the seventh-overall selection.

When the draft rolls around during All-Star week, the top 5 picks (Dylan Crews, Paul Skenes, Walker Jenkins, Wyatt Langford, and Max Clark) are all but set in stone, it's just matter of the order in which the top talent will be chosen.

After those five players come off the board, the Oakland Athletics will have their pick of the litter at No. 6. The Cincinnati Reds are then on the clock, and according to the last mock draft from MLB Pipeline, Chase Dollander will be the pick.

Latest mock draft forecasts college hurler to the Reds in Round 1.

Chase Dollander would immediately boost the Cincinnati Reds farm system and is widely regarded as one of the most polished college pitchers in this year's MLB Draft. Dollander was most successful in the 2022 season, where he was named the SEC Pitcher of the Year as well as an All-American.

In 2022, Dollander struck out over 100 batters in less than 80 innings, while only walking 13 batters. Dollander's pitch mix is quite similar to Reds prospect Connor Phillips, but Dollander probably has a better feel for his level of control.

The 21-year-old features a four-pitch mix centered around his overpowering fastball along with a swing-and-miss slider. According to prospectslive.com, Dollander's fastball sits in the mid to upper 90s and has topped out at 99 mph. Dollander's fastball features above average spin rate and carry, making it an elite level pitch already.

In addition to Dollander's plus-slider, he features two additional secondary pitches. Prospectslive.com states that he also uses a curveball that sits about 10 MPH slower than his slider. His repertoire is rounded out by a changeup, a pitch that sits in the mid 80s.

Chase Dollander will likely be available when the Cincinnati Reds make their selection at pick No. 7. He is exactly what the Reds need. MLB Pipeline projects him to come off the board when Cincinnati makes their selection in Round 1; an idea that should absolutely thrill Reds fans.