Reds Shine in MLB Draft Lottery, Assemble Best Talent Haul Among All 30 Clubs
SEATTLE — In a stroke of bad luck, the Cincinnati Reds did not fare well in MLB’s inaugural Draft Lottery last December. Despite having the fourth-worst record in the league, they were left with the seventh overall selection in a year that boasted five players who would typically be No. 1 overall picks in most drafts.
Hopes remained faint for the Reds as they awaited the outcome of the 2023 Draft. However, their luck seemed to turn as they managed to assemble the best collection of talent among all 30 clubs.
The Reds made strategic moves to secure the best players available at their respective positions. With Wake Forest right-hander Rhett Lowder (first round) and Louisiana State righty Ty Floyd (supplemental first), both of whom excelled at the College World Series, Cincinnati grabbed two of the best college arms in a draft that lacked in that area. Adding to their success, the Reds snagged shortstop Sammy Stafura (second round) and Cole Schoenwetter (fourth), two high school talents who fell inexplicably lower in the draft than expected. Cementing their roster were Arkansas’ Hunter Hollan (third) and Lipscomb’s Logan Van Treeck (ninth), two accomplished college left-handers, as well as Long Beach State’s Connor Burns (fifth), considered the best defensive catcher in the draft. To round out their haul, the Reds acquired two productive college bats in Virginia outfielder Ethan O’Donnell (sixth) and Stanford first baseman Carter Graham (eighth).
The San Francisco Giants emerged as the second-best performers in the draft, securing four players from the top 50 rankings on MLB Pipeline. Their first-round consideration for Colorado high school shortstop Walker Martin panned out well when Virginia prep two-way star Bryce Eldridge was chosen instead. The Giants were also fortunate to pick up Kentucky State’s Joe Whitman, the top left-hander available, after the second round. Additionally, Tennessee shortstop Maui Ahuna (fourth round) strengthened their roster, along with Auburn shortstop Cole Foster (third), Maryland catcher Luke Shliger (sixth), Grayson (Texas) CC right-hander Josh Bostock (eighth), and Louisville catcher Jack Payton (11th).
The Minnesota Twins were the biggest beneficiaries of the draft lottery, moving up from the 13th pick to the fifth. Utilizing their improved position, the Twins selected high school outfielder Walker Jenkins, a potential five-tool player. They followed up with a range of talented individuals, including electric prep right-hander Charlee Soto (supplemental first round), Arizona State offensive second baseman Luke Keaschall (second), high school outfielder Brandon Winokur (third), and Southern Mississippi righty Tanner Hall (fourth). Notably, Dylan Questad (fifth), Ross Dunn (10th), and Paulshawn Pasqualotto (12th) showcased their skills as three intriguing arms.
The Detroit Tigers secured two of the most exceptional high school bats available in the draft with their No. 3 overall pick, Max Clark, and supplemental first-round selection, Kevin McGonigle. Staying true to their vision, the Tigers added three-pitch left-hander Paul Wilson (third) and power-hitting third baseman Carson Rucker (fourth). Proven college hitter Max Anderson (second), Jaden Hamm (fifth), and John Peck (seventh) rounded out their coveted selections.
The Seattle Mariners made their mark in the draft by securing three talented prepsters in Colt Emerson, Johnny Farmelo, and Tai Peete. The Mariners capitalized on their selections by acquiring Wake Forest right-hander Teddy McGraw (third round) and underrated prep outfielder Aidan Smith (fourth).
The Miami Marlins showcased their prowess in drafting by securing the two best prep pitchers, Noble Meyer and Thomas White. Additionally, Mississippi outfielder Kemp Alderman (second round) and Michigan State first baseman Brock Vradenburg (third) became valuable additions to their roster.
The Washington Nationals secured their top pick, Dylan Crews, as well as offensive powerhouse Yohandy Morales (second round). Travis Sykora (third), Andrew Pinckney (fourth), and Gavin Adams (11th) further strengthened their lineup.
The Pittsburgh Pirates kicked off the draft with their selection of Paul Skenes, a highly-regarded pitching prospect likened to Stephen Strasburg. In addition to Skenes, the Pirates secured eight other top prospects, including Mitch Jebb (second round), Garret Forrester (third), and Zander Mueth (supplemental second), to complement their roster.
The MLB Draft Lottery may have initially disappointed the Reds, but they came out on top with an impressive talent haul. While it is still too early to determine the full impact of these selections, the Reds have set themselves up for success in the coming seasons.