The Cincinnati Reds made a major splash in the 2025 MLB Draft, selecting Alabama high school phenom Steele Hall with their first-round pick—and it hasn’t taken long for scouts, analysts, and fans to start dreaming big. The 17-year-old shortstop has drawn some bold comparisons to Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Trea Turner, and the hype might actually be justified.
A native of Alabama, Hall burst onto the national radar after a phenomenal 2025 season in which he batted an eye-popping .484, launched eight home runs, and stole 33 bases, all while playing elite defense at shortstop. His all-around performance earned him the Mr. Baseball Award in Alabama, the state’s highest individual honor for a high school player.
What makes Hall even more fascinating is the path he took to get here. Last November, Hall made the gutsy decision to reclassify as a senior, making himself eligible for the draft a year early. It was a bet on himself—and it paid off big-time. The Reds didn’t hesitate to snatch him off the board, clearly seeing the raw tools and sky-high potential.
The most exciting part? Hall’s blistering speed and natural athleticism have already drawn comparisons to one of the fastest players in the game—Trea Turner. While Turner ran a 6.3-second 60-yard dash in high school, Hall reportedly clocked in at a flat six seconds. That kind of speed makes him not just a threat on the basepaths but a defensive weapon in the middle infield.
“They play the same position, have similar builds, and both have game-changing speed,” one scout noted. “But Hall might even be further ahead at this stage than Turner was.”
That sentiment was echoed by Harold Reynolds of MLB Network, who said during the draft broadcast, “Remember when Trea got drafted? He didn’t have the power this kid has at this age—it developed later. Hall already has a more advanced bat.”
Indeed, while Turner developed his power in the majors—eventually becoming a consistent 20+ home run hitter—Hall already shows signs of being more of a slugger at this stage. Combine that with his top-tier speed and glove, and it’s easy to understand the excitement building in Cincinnati.
That said, Reds fans should temper short-term expectations. It’s rare for high school players to leap directly to the majors. Typically, they need three to five years to fully develop in the minors before making an MLB impact. So while it’s unlikely Hall sees big-league playing time this year, his professional journey is set to begin this fall.
Still, fans are already asking a big question: Could Steele Hall eventually replace Elly De La Cruz? The Reds’ current superstar is due for a long-term contract extension, and the team is expected to make a strong push to lock him up this offseason. But if those talks stall—or if a future trade becomes inevitable—Hall may be groomed to fill those superstar shoes.
Whether that scenario ever plays out or not, one thing is clear: Cincinnati has something special in Steele Hall. The combination of tools, confidence, and upside makes him one of the most electrifying picks the Reds have made in recent memory.
For a franchise hungry to build a lasting contender, Steele Hall represents more than just a draft pick—he’s the start of what could become the next great chapter in Reds baseball.
