CINCINNATI, OH — July 15, 2025
In a move that stunned some draft analysts but thrilled fans of upside, the Cincinnati Reds selected 17-year-old shortstop Steele Hall with the 9th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft — a high-risk, high-reward gamble that may mark the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise’s infield future.
Hailing from Hewitt-Trussville High School in Alabama, Hall is more than just a top prospect — he’s a story waiting to unfold. Having reclassified to enter the draft early, the ultra-athletic teenager is one of the youngest players selected this year. But don’t let the age fool you: Hall brings blazing top-of-the-scale speed, elite defensive instincts, and a competitive fire that’s already turning heads across the league.
At 6’0″, 180 pounds, Hall is described by scouts as a potential five-tool player, with 70-80 grade speed that some evaluators call the fastest in the draft. His glove is polished, his range is undeniable, and his actions at shortstop are fluid and advanced for his age — all signs that he could anchor the position for years to come.
Offensively, Hall’s bat speed and raw power are promising, though scouts have noted he’s still refining his approach — especially when it comes to recognizing breaking balls. But given his age and rapid development curve, Reds brass believe that time is firmly on his side.
“We weren’t just drafting a player,” said Reds GM Nick Krall. “We were investing in a future cornerstone. Steele has the makeup, the tools, and the mentality we believe can make him special.”
The selection comes at a fascinating time for Cincinnati. Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz — known for his electric play and versatility — has seen his role fluctuate amid defensive shifts and lineup adjustments. While De La Cruz remains a critical part of the Reds’ core, the pick of Steele Hall signals that the organization is planning ahead, possibly envisioning a future where Elly shifts elsewhere on the field, freeing up shortstop for a defensive specialist like Hall.
It’s a strategy that mirrors what other top-tier franchises have done: stack athleticism and let talent sort itself out. Cincinnati did something similar in recent years with promising shortstop prospects Sammy Stafura and Tyson Lewis, and Hall represents the boldest version of that blueprint yet.
In Hall, the Reds aren’t just betting on tools — they’re betting on vision, development, and culture. A player this young, with this much raw ability, could take time to reach his ceiling. But if he gets there, he could be the kind of player who redefines the Reds’ identity — fast, fearless, and built for the modern game.
As the dust settles from draft night, one thing is clear: The Reds aren’t playing it safe. They’re swinging big. And in Steele Hall, they believe they’ve found a future star worth taking that swing for.
