Wake Forest pipeline could be in play again for Reds in 2025 MLB Draft

For the third year in a row, the Cincinnati Reds have a top 10 pick in the MLB Draft. In back-to-back years, the Reds have selected Wake Forest products — Rhett Lowder (2023) and Chase Burns (2024). Going into the 2025 MLB Draft, MLB.com projects two players from Wake Forest to go in Round 1. Will the Reds grab another player from the North Carolina university?

Marek Houston, ranked as the 14th best player in the draft according to Baseball America, has some experts calling him the best defender in this year's draft. But his offensive production alone should be enough to have the Reds chomping at the bit. Houston is a polished three-year starter in the ACC who hit .354 with 15 home runs, and 66 RBI this past season.

Another Demon Deacon, Ethan Conrad, had his 2025 campaign cut short due to shoulder surgery. In 21 games, Conrad hit .372 with 15 extra-base hits and 27 RBI. Conrad has experience at all three outfield spots, plus first base, and could easily be picked somewhere within the Top 15 despite the surgery.

Wake Forest pipeline could be in play for Reds with Marek Houston & Ethan Conrad available

The Reds have seen some quick ascents to the major leagues, with both Lowder and Burns making their MLB debuts within a year of being drafted. Lowder was rushed to the majors after Cincinnati suffered innumerable injuries down the stretch in 2024. Burns was called up earlier this season after both Hunter Greene and Wade Miley wound up on the injured list. Wake Forest is known as a pitching factory, but both Houston and Conrad have solid track records and are looking to make it to the bigs as quickly as both Lowder and Burns.

If Cincinnati were to select one of Houston or Conrad, the Reds could work out an under-slot value contract, save some of their bonus pool, and make a splash in Round 2 of the 2025 MLB Draft. The Reds have been able to work out under-slot deals the past two seasons with their first-round picks, which has enabled them to add talented prep shortstops Sammy Stafura and Tyson Lewis.

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