Reds News: Top draft picks sign, outfield prospect joins Sal Stewart at Triple-A

The Cincinnati Reds won their second-half series opener against the New York Mets thanks to an offensive outburst from the trio of Austin Hays, Tyler Stephenson, and Matt McLain — all of whom had home runs in the team's 8-4 win.

But the Reds also had some welcome news off the field on Friday. First-round draft pick Steele Hall agreed to an under-slot deal with the Reds signing for $5.75 million. The slot value for the ninth-overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft was set at $6.51 million.

Hall wasn't the only Reds' draftee to sign, however. Third-round selection Mason Morris also inked an under-slot deal with Cincinnati. The Ole Miss reliever signed for just under $900,000 (slot value for pick No. 83 = $964,800). Between Hall and Morris, the Reds collectively saved over $800,000 to spend on other draft picks.

Reds News: First-round pick Steele Hall signs under-slot deal

Hall, who reclassified this past fall, is still just 17 years old. Many scouts compared the young shortstop to Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Trea Turner, but Hall certainly has a long way to go before reaching those lofty comparisons.

Reds fans shouldn't be surprised if Hall doesn't make his professional debut until next season; a strategy Cincinnati has used with several of their top picks over the last couple of seasons, including Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, and Tyson Lewis.

As for Morris, the right-hander worked exclusively out of the Ole Miss bullpen last season, though some scouts viewed him to have starter potential. It's unknown which direction the Reds plan to take with the 21-year-old hurler, but according to MLB Pipeline, Morris is said to have a devastating cutter that opposing batters can't lay off of.

With both Hall and Morris now in the fold, the Reds can turn their attention to several other draft choices, including second-round pick Aaron Watson who is still unsigned. The organization would love to save some more bonus pool money and attempt to lure late-round selections Ethan Moore and Myles Upchurch away from their college commitments.

Reds News: Hector Rodriguez joins Sal Stewart with the Louisville Bats

Reds fans were informed that Sal Stewart was ticketed for a promotion to Triple-A Louisville after his performance in the MLB Futures Game, but it was a bit surprising to hear that fellow prospect Hector Rodriguez was slated to join him.

The former New York Mets farmhand made his Triple-A debut on Friday night and hit leadoff for the Bats. Rodriguez went 0-for-4 in his first game, though Stewart had a line drive single to right field during his first Triple-A at-bat. The Reds' top prospect finished the night going 1-for-4. Both prospects will be in the discussion for a promotion to the big leagues this September.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors