Cincinnati Reds Update: Top Picks Sealed, Outfield Prospect Joins Sal Stewart in Triple‑A
Steele Hall inks under-slot deal after being selected 9th overall
First-round shortstop Steele Hall, still just 17, has signed with the Reds for $5.75 million, beneath his $6.51 million slot value. The early under-slot agreement gives Cincinnati added flexibility in their bonus pool.
Mason Morris follows suit in the third round
Ole Miss reliever and third-round pick Mason Morris signed for just under $900,000, below his $964,800 slot, bringing the Reds’ total savings to over $800,000—funds they may now redirect toward other draft signings.
Hall: high ceiling, developmental timeline
Hall, who reclassified last fall, draws comparisons to Phillies’ All-Star Trea Turner, though he’s still early in his growth curve. Cincinnati is expected to hold off on his professional debut until 2026—mirroring their cautious approach with recent picks Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, and Tyson Lewis.
Morris: bullpen arm with starter potential
The 21-year-old Ole Miss reliever boasts a sharp cutter and piqued scouts’ interest, with speculation that the Reds may explore transitioning him into a starting role.
Next in the queue: Aaron Watson and late-round incentives
Second-rounder Aaron Watson remains unsigned. With the bonus pool flash freed up, the Reds are targeting additional agreements with late-round talents like Ethan Moore and Myles Upchurch.
Prospect Promotion: Hector Rodriguez joins Sal Stewart at Triple-A Louisville
In a double promotion to the Louisville Bats, outfielder Hector Rodriguez, recently acquired from the Mets, debuted alongside top prospect Sal Stewart.
Rodriguez, batting leadoff, was 0-for-4. Stewart recorded a line-drive single in his first Triple-A at-bat and finished 1-for-4.
Both are now on the radar for potential major-league call-ups as early as September.
