By Drew Koch | July 14, 2025
In a subtle but telling shift, the Cincinnati Reds’ approach in the 2025 MLB Draft may have revealed more about their long-term plans for manager Terry Francona than any official press release could.
After selecting college pitchers in the first round of the past two drafts — Rhett Lowder in 2023 and Chase Burns with the No. 2 overall pick in 2024 — the Reds changed direction this year. They used their first-round pick on Steele Hall, a high school shortstop, and followed that by selecting Aaron Watson, a prep pitcher, in the second round.
These high school selections are unlikely to reach the majors before 2029, possibly even later, signaling a long-term developmental focus rather than a win-now approach. And that might say a lot about how Cincinnati views Francona’s role with the club moving forward.
While several advanced college players were still on the board when the Reds picked ninth — including polished hitters like Ike Irish and Marek Houston, or top college arms like Kyson Witherspoon and Jamie Arnold — the front office opted for younger, more projectable talent. That’s a pivot that suggests patience, not urgency.
For many fans, Francona’s time in Cincinnati seemed likely to be short-lived. At 66, and having previously stepped away from the game due to health concerns, the assumption has been that he’s a transitional figure. However, this draft strategy may challenge that narrative.
Had the Reds seen Francona as a stopgap, they might’ve leaned into selecting more big-league-ready players to align with a shorter managerial window. Instead, they invested in long-term pieces — a move that subtly implies confidence that Francona will be around to help shape the next wave of talent.
Francona signed a three-year deal before the 2025 season, with an option for a fourth year. While it’s too early to project him managing beyond 2028, this year’s draft suggests that the Reds are operating under the assumption that he’s sticking around for at least the foreseeable future.
Another angle to consider: the Reds may be padding their farm system ahead of the trade deadline. With Hall and Watson added to a growing list of infielders and pitchers, President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall might feel more comfortable using top prospects like Edwin Arroyo, Sammy Stafura, or Chase Petty as trade chips.
Whether it’s about reinforcing Francona’s timeline or setting up future deals, one thing is clear — the Reds’ draft decisions weren’t made at random. They send a message, loud and clear: Terry Francona is part of the plan for more than just the short term.
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