Steele Hall: Cincinnati Reds’ 2025 MLB Draft Pick Highlights, Tennessee Baseball Legacy, and Contract Breakdown

Who is Steele Hall? The Reds’ Newest Top Prospect

The Cincinnati Reds made a franchise-altering decision by selecting high school shortstop Steele Hall with the 9th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. This Tennessee baseball commit represents the organization’s commitment to rebuilding through elite athleticism and defensive wizardry.

At 6’3″ and 215 pounds, Hall possesses rare physical tools for a prep shortstop:

• 70-grade arm strength (MLB scale)
• 110+ mph exit velocities
• Sub-6.5 second 60-yard dash

His two-way potential as both a power-hitting infielder and mid-90s reliever makes him uniquely valuable in today’s MLB landscape. The Reds’ scouting department reportedly fought hard for Hall over several college bats, believing his ceiling matches recent top-5 picks.

The comparison to Gunnar Henderson is inevitable, but Hall reminds me more of Corey Seager at the same age – that effortless left-handed swing with natural loft that promises 30+ HR potential.

The Tennessee Baseball Dilemma: Sign or Play College Ball?

As a Tennessee baseball signee, Hall now faces the toughest decision of his young career. While first-round picks traditionally sign 98% of the time, several factors make this situation unique:

The Reds hold significant leverage with their bonus pool, but Hall’s family values education deeply. This negotiation could come down to Cincinnati’s willingness to include college tuition provisions in his contract – a creative solution becoming more common with elite two-sport recruits.

How Tennessee’s Program Compares to Reds’ Farm System

Tony Vitello has transformed Tennessee into what scouts call “a minor league program with college rules.” Their facilities rival many MLB organizations, featuring:

• Major league-caliber weight rooms
• Advanced biomechanics labs
• Professional-style video review systems

For a player like Hall who needs refinement in pitch recognition, the everyday competition against SEC arms might accelerate his development more effectively than Low-A pitching.

Watch for whether the Reds offer a “college insurance” clause – guaranteeing tuition payments if baseball doesn’t work out. That could be the tipping point for this family.

Contract Breakdown: What Will Hall’s Deal Look Like?

The 9th overall pick comes with a slot value of $5.2 million, but expect Hall to command significantly more. Here’s why:

Industry sources project Hall’s bonus between $5.6-$5.8 million based on:

• Two-way player premium (+$300K)
• Early reclassification leverage (+$200K)
• College commitment risk (+$100K)

The deal will likely include escalator clauses for fast-tracking to MLB, similar to Elly De La Cruz’s 2023 contract. Creative bonuses could include:

• $250K for making All-Star Futures Game
• $500K for Rookie of the Year
• College tuition reimbursement

Defensive Projections: Shortstop or Third Base?

While Hall was drafted as a shortstop, most scouts agree his long-term position hinges on physical development:

His 70-grade arm plays anywhere, but the Reds will likely give him 2-3 years at shortstop before considering a move. The organization’s lack of third base depth makes that transition increasingly likely by 2027.

Don’t sleep on him as a potential right fielder – that cannon arm would play tremendously in Great American Ball Park’s expansive right field.

The Two-Way Player Question

Hall’s 95 mph fastball as a closer adds fascinating complexity to his development. The Reds must decide whether to:

• Develop solely as position player (75% likelihood)
• Begin as two-way player (20%)
• Convert fully to pitcher (5%)

Recent success stories like Brendan Donovan prove the value of positional flexibility. Hall’s pitching mechanics are relatively clean, featuring:

• High 3/4 arm slot
• Late life on fastball
• Developing slider at 82-84 mph

The most likely path sees Hall hitting daily while occasionally pitching in relief during rookie ball. This “soft two-way” approach allows Cincinnati to evaluate both skills without overcommitting.

Risk Factors in Two-Way Development

History shows the challenges of developing two-way players:

• Increased injury risk (see Hunter Greene 2018)
• Split focus delays both skills
• Organizational impatience with slow progress

The Reds’ new player development staff, hired from the Dodgers system, brings experience with two-way players that makes this experiment more plausible than in previous regimes.

2025-2027 Development Timeline Projection

Hall’s progression will depend heavily on his signing date and initial assignment. Here’s a plausible three-year roadmap:

Optimistic scouts see a 2027 September call-up scenario if Hall:

• Maintains .850+ OPS in minors
• Stays at shortstop through AA
• Avoids significant injuries

More conservative projections have him debuting in 2028 after a full AAA season. Much depends on how the Reds’ competitive timeline aligns with his development.

My prediction? He forces the issue with a breakout 2026 campaign and takes over third base by August 2027 – just in time for the Reds’ next playoff push.

How Hall Fits Into Reds’ Future Infield

Cincinnati’s farm system boasts several elite infield prospects, creating fascinating future scenarios:

• Shortstop: Currently blocked by Elly De La Cruz
• Third Base: Noelvi Marte’s PED suspension opens pathway
• Second Base: Matt McLain’s injuries create uncertainty

Hall’s versatility allows Cincinnati to be patient while other prospects establish themselves. His left-handed power bat fits perfectly between De La Cruz and CES long-term, giving the Reds potential for three 30+ HR infielders by 2028.

Organizational Depth Chart Outlook

By 2027, the Reds’ infield could feature:

• 1B: Christian Encarnacion-Strand
• 2B: Matt McLain/Maxwell Clark
• SS: Elly De La Cruz
• 3B: Steele Hall

This alignment would provide elite power at every infield position while maintaining strong defensive ratings. Hall’s arm strength would compensate for any range limitations at third base as he matures physically.