The Cincinnati Reds made a bold move in the MLB Draft, selecting 17-year-old shortstop Steele Hall from Hewitt-Trussville High School in Alabama with the No. 9 overall pick. The selection marks the first time in five years that the Reds have used their first-round pick on a high school hitter, a departure from their recent trend of drafting college players like Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder. Hall, a dynamic athlete with elite speed and a promising five-tool skill set, represents a high-upside gamble for a Reds organization known for targeting athletic middle infielders.
Hall, who reclassified to become eligible for the 2025 draft after initially being slated for 2026, is one of the youngest players in this year’s draft class, not turning 18 until July 24. His decision to graduate early paid off, as he earned Alabama’s Mr. Baseball honors in 2025, posting an impressive .484 batting average, eight home runs, 46 runs scored, 35 RBIs, and 33 stolen bases during his high school season. Reds amateur scouting director Joe Katuska praised Hall’s athleticism and projectability, noting, “If you stacked him up against juniors out there, we thought that if you lined him up at the end of the summer and into next year’s draft, he might be a guy you’re talking about at the No. 1 overall pick.”
The Reds’ selection of Hall aligns with their recent draft philosophy, which prioritizes athletic up-the-middle players with significant upside. Comparisons to established stars like Trea Turner and Dansby Swanson have been floated, with Katuska highlighting Hall’s ability to run, throw, and play defense while providing value as a potential leadoff hitter. However, Hall’s bat remains a work in progress, with some scouts noting concerns about his ability to handle quality secondary pitches. Despite these questions, the Reds are banking on his youth and physical development—having added 15-20 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot, 180-pound frame—to translate into future offensive production.
Hall’s speed, rated as high as 80-grade by some evaluators, is his standout tool, with a reported 60-yard dash time as fast as 6.0 seconds. His confidence was on display when asked if he could outrun Reds star shortstop Elly De La Cruz, to which he replied, “I think so, yeah.” Defensively, Hall is projected to remain at shortstop, where his strong arm, good actions, and above-average range make him a potential plus defender. The Reds’ faith in their player development system, which has produced promising shortstops like Tyson Lewis and Sammy Stafura, played a significant role in their decision to draft Hall.
The selection of Hall has sparked some debate among Reds fans, given the organization’s surplus of shortstop talent, including De La Cruz and top prospects like Matt McLain, Edwin Arroyo, and Cam Collier. Some question whether the Reds should have targeted a different position, such as an outfielder or first baseman. However, Katuska emphasized the team’s “best player available” approach, stating, “We’re talking about what they are at the big-league level.” Hall’s signing slot value is approximately $6.51 million, and while he was committed to the University of Tennessee, he expressed enthusiasm for joining the Reds, saying, “It means a lot, thanking [the Reds] for taking a chance on a 17-year-old, and it’s an honor.”
As the Reds continue to build a competitive roster, Hall represents a high-ceiling addition to their farm system. While he may need time to refine his hitting, his elite athleticism and defensive skills make him a prospect to watch. The Reds’ track record with developing young shortstops suggests they’re well-equipped to help Hall reach his All-Star potential.
Scouting Report: Steele Hall, SS, Cincinnati Reds
Player Profile
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Name: Steele Hall
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Position: Shortstop
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Bats/Throws: Right/Right
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Height/Weight: 6’0”, 180 lbs
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School: Hewitt-Trussville High School (Trussville, AL)
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Draft: 2025 MLB Draft, 1st Round, 9th Overall (Cincinnati Reds)
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Slot Value: $6,513,800
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Commitment: University of Tennessee (prior to draft)
Scouting Grades (20-80 scale, based on MLB.com and other reports):
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Hit: 45
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Power: 50
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Run: 70-80
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Arm: 55
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Field: 60
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Overall: 55
Overview
Steele Hall is a high-upside, athletic shortstop with elite speed and the potential to develop into a five-tool player. Reclassifying from the 2026 draft class, Hall is one of the youngest players in the 2025 draft, turning 18 shortly after draft day. His selection by the Reds reflects their confidence in his projectability and their ability to develop raw, athletic middle infielders.
Strengths
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Speed: Hall’s top-of-the-scale speed (70-80 grade) makes him one of the fastest players in the 2025 draft class. His reported 6.0-6.1 second 60-yard dash times suggest he could be a prolific base-stealer and cover significant ground in the field.
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Defense: A lock to stay at shortstop, Hall has smooth actions, excellent range, and a strong arm that projects as above-average. His athleticism and instincts make him a potential plus defender at a premium position.
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Athleticism: Hall’s twitchy, explosive athleticism draws comparisons to Trea Turner and Dansby Swanson. His physical development, including adding 15-20 pounds of muscle in the past year, points to further growth potential.
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Upside: At 17, Hall’s youth allows for significant projection. His .484 batting average, eight home runs, and 33 stolen bases in his final high school season demonstrate a blend of contact, power, and speed that could translate to the pros with proper development.
Weaknesses
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Hitting Consistency: Hall’s bat is his biggest question mark. While he shows a quick, handsy swing in batting practice, he can be overly aggressive in games, leading to swing-and-miss issues, particularly against quality secondary pitches. His feel for hitting is considered raw by some scouts.
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Power Development: While Hall has projectable power (50-grade raw power), his in-game approach tends to focus on lifting and pulling pitches, which can compromise his contact rate. Continued strength gains will be crucial to unlocking his power potential.
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Experience: As a reclassified player, Hall has less experience against high-level competition compared to older draft prospects, which may necessitate a longer development timeline.
Player Comparison: Trea Turner/Dansby Swanson
Hall’s combination of elite speed, defensive prowess at shortstop, and potential for offensive growth draws parallels to Turner and Swanson, both first-round picks who developed into All-Star caliber players. Like them, Hall’s value lies in his athleticism and ability to impact the game in multiple ways, though he’ll need to refine his hitting to reach their level.
Development Path
Hall is likely to begin his professional career in the Arizona Complex League, following the Reds’ cautious approach with recent high school draftee Tyson Lewis. His development will focus on improving pitch recognition and refining his swing to balance contact and power. Given his age and athleticism, Hall could progress quickly if his bat develops, but he may require 3-4 years in the minors before reaching the majors. The Reds’ success with similar prospects suggests a favorable environment for his growth.
Outlook
Steele Hall is a high-risk, high-reward prospect with the tools to become an All-Star shortstop. His elite speed and defensive skills provide a strong foundation, while his offensive potential hinges on improving his contact rate and pitch recognition. If the Reds’ development staff can unlock his full potential, Hall could join Elly De La Cruz as part of a dynamic up-the-middle core for Cincinnati.
