Reds projected to take towering prep arm in first round of MLB Draft

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) watches from the dugout before a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026. © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

While the Cincinnati Reds currently have their hands full in the National League Central, we are inching closer and closer to the 2026 MLB Draft, which kicks off July 11th. 

The Chicago White Sox were awarded the first pick, and it's pretty clear that UCLA's Roch Cholowsky has a high chance of being taken by the South Siders, while the Reds will be selecting 18th overall. 

Now, some elite talent will be off the board when it's time for the Reds to be on the clock, but there will be loads of intriguing options. It comes down to what the front office values and who is still left when it comes time for them to make their pick. 

MORE: Why 19-year-old Ken Griffey Jr. is ready to save the Mariners right now (SN Archive — 1989)

Reds projected to take towering prep arm in first round of MLB Draft

Cincinnati, unlike some other teams, has not been afraid to draft high school talent in the first round. Since 2020, four of their first-round picks were high school athletes. 

And to continue this trend, Bleacher Report's Joel Retuer links them to one of the biggest prep arms in the entire class, Bishop Feehan High School LHP Brody Bumila. 

"With a towering 6'9", 255-pound frame and elite athleticism for a pitcher his size that helped him star on the basketball court, Bumila has as much helium as any player in the 2026 class. He pitches mostly off an overpowering, triple-digit fastball, but has shown the makings of a slider and changeup. The Texas commit is pure upside, but with a true No. 1 starter ceiling."

Bumila is not just a star on the diamond, but he is also an excellent basketball player who will be taking his talents to the University of Texas if he does not sign this summer. 

He is a towering presence on the mound with his size and intimidating fastball. He has all the makings to become a true ace, but being so young, it does come with a bit of risk. 

More MLB news:

• Rangers linked to Mississippi State's bat-first 3B in upcoming MLB Draft
• Marlins projected to draft Arkansas standout catcher in first round
• Athletics linked to George Lombard Jr.'s younger brother in upcoming draft
• Orioles projected to take Georgia Tech standout outfielder in first round
• Royals projected to draft one of the 'safest players in the entire class'