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Reds Make Key Moves: Top Draft Picks Ink Deals, Outfield Prospect Promoted to Triple-A with Sal Stewart
By Drew Koch | July 19, 2025
The Cincinnati Reds kicked off their second half with a strong 8-4 win over the New York Mets, fueled by home runs from Austin Hays, Tyler Stephenson, and Matt McLain. But it wasn’t just on the field where the Reds scored a victory — there was big news off the diamond as well.
On Friday, Cincinnati officially signed top draft pick Steele Hall to an under-slot deal worth $5.75 million. Hall was the ninth overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, a slot typically valued at $6.51 million. The savings didn’t stop there. Third-round pick Mason Morris, a reliever from Ole Miss, also signed for below slot — just under $900,000 (slot value: $964,800). These two signings free up over $800,000 in bonus pool money, giving the Reds additional flexibility to pursue unsigned picks like second-rounder Aaron Watson and possibly sway late-rounders Ethan Moore and Myles Upchurch from their college paths.
Steele Hall Signs with Reds, Drawing Comparisons to Trea Turner
At just 17 years old, Hall reclassified last fall and has drawn lofty comparisons to Phillies star Trea Turner. While his potential has scouts buzzing, the Reds are expected to be patient — possibly delaying his pro debut until 2026. This approach mirrors recent strategies used with top picks like Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, and Tyson Lewis.
Mason Morris Brings Dominant Cutter to Reds’ System
Morris spent last season pitching out of the bullpen at Ole Miss, though scouts believe he has the tools to transition into a starter role. Known for his nasty cutter that keeps hitters off balance, his development path in Cincinnati’s system will be one to watch.
Hector Rodriguez Joins Sal Stewart in Louisville for Triple-A Action
Meanwhile, in the farm system, fans learned that infielder Sal Stewart was heading to Triple-A Louisville following his showing in the MLB Futures Game. But the club added another name to the call-up list: outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, acquired from the Mets organization, made his Triple-A debut on Friday night as the leadoff hitter for the Louisville Bats. While he went hitless (0-for-4), Stewart logged a solid debut, lining a single in his first at-bat and finishing the night 1-for-4. With both prospects now one step away from the majors, they’ll be among the names to watch when September call-ups roll around.
