Reds (kind of) borrowed Dodgers blueprint with second-chance pick they hope hits big

In the fourth round of the 2025 MLB Draft, the Cincinnati Reds circled back on a familiar name by selecting University of Oregon outfielder Mason Neville. However, this wasn't the first time Neville heard his name called by the Reds.

Back in 2022, the Reds originally drafted Neville out of high school in the 18th round. At the time, he was a promising two-way prospect just outside MLB Pipeline’s Top 100. Rather than sign, Neville opted to attend Arkansas, betting on himself and his development. After a quiet freshman year, he transferred to Oregon, where everything started to click.

Three years later, the Reds are hoping that their second shot at Neville ends differently. 

Reds bet (again) on familiar outfield prospect with rising stock

Neville’s athleticism and upside have always been intriguing. A left-handed hitter with real raw power and a wiry-framed athlete with a sweet swing and modest speed. In 2024, he played all three outfield spots and showed glimpses of the high-ceiling talent that made him a standout as a prep. That included 16 home runs and a high 33.5% strikeout rate, which scared off some teams. But the following year, he made tangible improvements, cutting down the swing-and-miss, getting to his power more consistently.

While he can crush a fastball, he still has some trouble adjusting to breaking stuff. And given that it comes in a glove that looks capable of sticking up the middle, Neville’s stock has risen based on his potential.

The pick draws a natural comparison to how the Los Angeles Dodgers handled outfielder Mike Sirota. LA originally drafted Sirota in the 16th round back in 2021, but like Neville, he chose college instead. In 2024, the Reds beat the Dodgers to the punch, drafting Sirota in the third round. But the Dodgers weren’t ready to move on.

This summer, they circled back — swinging a trade with Cincinnati that sent former first-rounder Gavin Lux to the Reds in exchange for Sirota and a Competitive Balance Round A pick. In essence, they paid a premium to acquire the same player they originally scouted and drafted but couldn’t sign out of high school.

Cincinnati now hopes to avoid the need for a reunion like that. With Neville, they’re getting a player they’ve believed in since 2022 — only this time, he’s more mature, more refined, and much closer to turning his potential into production. The Dodgers may have set the blueprint with Sirota. But the Reds are hoping their second chance doesn’t require a third.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors