The Cincinnati Reds opened the second half of the season with an impressive 8-4 win over the New York Mets, fueled by home runs from Austin Hays, Tyler Stephenson, and Matt McLain.
But the good news didn’t stop on the field—off it, the Reds reached an under-slot agreement with their first-round draft pick Steele Hall, signing him for $5.75 million, well below the $6.51 million slot value for the No. 9 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.
Hall wasn’t the only prospect to sign with Cincinnati, as third-round selection Mason Morris also agreed to an under-slot deal.
The Ole Miss right-hander, who pitched exclusively from the bullpen last season, signed for just under $900,000, saving the team additional draft capital.
In total, the Reds saved over $800,000 between Hall and Morris, which could be used to pursue other draft targets.
At just 17 years old, Hall is viewed as a long-term investment.
While scouts have compared him to Phillies All-Star Trea Turner, the Reds are expected to take a cautious development approach, likely delaying his pro debut until next season—a path they’ve taken with top picks like Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, and Tyson Lewis.
Morris, meanwhile, is seen as a potential starter thanks to a nasty cutter that’s drawn attention from scouts.
With Hall and Morris now officially in the organization, the Reds can shift focus to signing other picks, including second-rounder Aaron Watson, who remains unsigned.
They may also try to use their bonus pool savings to lure high-upside late-rounders like Ethan Moore and Myles Upchurch away from their college commitments.
In prospect news, Triple-A Louisville received a boost with the promotions of Sal Stewart and Hector Rodriguez.
Stewart, fresh off an MLB Futures Game appearance, made an immediate impact with a single in his first at-bat. Rodriguez, acquired from the Mets, debuted as the Bats’ leadoff hitter, though he went hitless in his first game.
Both young prospects are now in the mix for a potential call-up to the major leagues later this season.