Reds Wrap Up 2023 MLB Draft, Focus Turns to Contract Negotiations
CINCINNATI — The Reds have finished their three-day 2023 MLB Draft, selecting a total of 21 players. However, there is no time to rest for the team as they now shift their focus to getting contracts completed and starting the professional careers of these young prospects.
Joe Katuska, the Reds’ amateur scouting director, expressed confidence in getting the players signed and starting the process without delay. The team plans to have the players travel to their complex in Goodyear, Arizona, before hopefully transitioning them to the Minor Leagues.
“We’ll get them signed,” Katuska stated. “We should have guys traveling to Goodyear and starting the process shortly. Once we figure out their ramp-up and get them back in game shape, we’ll get them on to active rosters pretty quickly.”
Here are four takeaways from the Reds’ efforts in the 2023 MLB Draft.
1. Selected pitchers were starters or relievers that could be converted to starters
The Reds heavily focused on pitching in this draft, selecting 13 pitchers with a variety of profiles. The team aimed for a blend of pitchability and stuff, ensuring they have a balanced roster of pitchers.
“We want to have a blend of it and understand where they fit and how we can develop each guy individually,” Katuska explained.
All of the pitchers selected have a starting pitcher profile, with the team preferring to develop relievers from the starting pitcher position.
2. College athletes accounted for most selections
Of the 21 players selected, 16 were college athletes, while the remaining five were high school players. The Reds have consistently favored college players in recent years due to financial considerations and the college players’ path through player development to the Major Leagues.
“We won’t go over that [bonus] pool and lose a first-rounder next year. A lot of them, you feel much more comfortable slotting them into the system and getting their pro careers started than some of the high school guys that will take a bit longer to get going,” Katuska explained.
3. Stafura was a crucial pick
The Reds used their second-round pick to select high school shortstop Sammy Stafura, who had a college commitment to Clemson. Stafura was ranked as the 32nd overall draft prospect by MLB Pipeline and was a surprise addition to the Reds’ selection.
“We were really excited to get him. We didn’t think he’d still be on the board when we made that selection, so that was a nice surprise,” Katuska shared.
Taking Stafura influenced the team’s draft strategy, deprioritizing certain picks to ensure playing time for all selected players.
4. Two-way player among Day 3 picks
JeanPierre Ortiz, a two-way player from Chipola College in Florida, was selected by the Reds in the 17th round. Ortiz, who plays shortstop and pitches, shows promise in both areas. The team scouted him extensively when he played for IMG Academy in high school.
“He’s a really good defensive shortstop. The bat has progressed nicely over the last year. We’ve seen him pitch a couple times. He’s very natural on the mound for a guy who has not pitched much,” Katuska stated.
There are no guarantees that Ortiz will sign with the Reds, but if he does, the team sees him primarily as a shortstop. However, they remain open to exploring his potential as a pitcher if the game dictates it.
Overall, the Reds’ 2023 MLB Draft appears to be a successful one, with a focus on pitching and a preference for college players. As the team moves forward with contract negotiations, they hope to integrate these young prospects into their system and help them develop into future Major League talent.