Way-too-early Reds’ mock draft signals Cincinnati is done ignoring this massive need

The first 2026 MLB mock draft of the offseason — courtesy of MLB Pipeline — brings a necessary item to the forefront for the Cincinnati Reds. Despite cries from the fanbase for years, the Reds scouts and front office have continually refused to address the team's need for a talented outfield bat. MLB.com's Jim Callis believes the Reds will finally fix that oversight.

Technically the Reds snuck into the lottery and will pick 18th in the 2026 MLB Draft. Callis' early-offseason assumption is that Cincinnati will take Texas A&M outfielder Caden Sorrell with their first-round pick next July.

Looking at MLB.com's big board, Sorrell ranks as the 20th-best prospect heading into the 2026 season, so Callis' selection is certainly based in logic. The 20-year-old is a left-handed hitting (and throwing) corner outfield prospect whose grandfather Billy played in the big leagues back during the 1960s.

Reds land power-hitting outfielder in 2026 MLB Mock Draft

Sorrell has power on top of power with a .789 slugging percentage and 12 round-trippers for the Aggies last year. He only played in 26 games due to a hamstring injury, but if he shows that type of pop in 2026, he might not last until pick No. 18.

Sorrell is a pull-side power-hitter whose left-handed stroke would be a thing of beauty with the short porch in right field at Great American Ball Park. The youngster cut down on strikeouts last season, and if he does so again in 2026, he could become an absolute monster. It'll be interesting to see where he lines up defensively this season, and if he's relegated to one of the outfield corners, that could affect his standing heading into the 2026 MLB Draft.

Reds fans would absolutely love to see Sorrell (or a player of his skillset) fall to them in the middle of the first round. Cincinnati typically goes after up-the-middle talent, but in doing so, has shied away from big-time power bats. The results have seen Cincinnati's farm system clogged with light-hitting middle infielders and top-flight arms, but the Reds need to go get a thumper in the draft next year.

Obviously the college baseball season is still a few months away, and teams won't even start finalizing their draft boards until later next summer. But it's never too early to take a peek into the future. If Sorrell lives up to the hype, Reds fans would love to see him on the board when Cincinnati makes their selection at No. 18.