That's the kind of speed former Reds second-round pick Billy Hamilton had. Hamilton was one of the most exciting players to reach MLB for Cincinnati in the last quarter-century, but he simply didn't have enough power to stick around. Hall is the idealized version of Hamilton.

The Cincinnati Reds stayed on brand with their first pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. They prioritized athleticism. Shortstop Steele Hall has that in droves. According to some scouts, the 17 year old out of Hewitt-Trussville,

CINCINNATI – Alabama high school shortstop Steele Hall is still only 17 years old and one of the youngest players in the 2025 MLB Draft class. But that didn't deter the Reds from being high enough on Hall to select him with the No.

"There's so much less certainty of the grouping near the top," said Reds director of amateur scouting, Joe Katuska said.

ATLANTA — A slew of left-handed pitchers, a handful of organizations ready to chart a new course and shortstops, shortstops and more shortstops: All are ready to fly off the board when Major League Baseball's 2025 draft tips off tonight at 6 p.m. ET.