Chicago Cubs Draft: Ranking the NL Central draft hauls
By Ryan Sikes
2. Cincinnati Reds
The Reds arguably already have the best rotation in the division, and adding Christian Roa in the second round only adds to their depth. Roa made 17 appearances – including ten starts – in 2019, striking out 46 batters in 48.0 innings. He was off to a strong start this season, striking out 35 through his first four starts while limiting the opposition to a .234 average.
Grabbing a guy like Roa in the second round is money, especially when your first-round pick is one of the best high school prep stars in the country. Austin Hendrick has a verbal commitment to Mississippi State in the fall. He stands at 6-foot, 195-pounds and has crazy pop for a kid his age. He’ll be part of a talented group of Reds players making their way to the big leagues over the next few years.
Bryce Bonnin was an interesting choice in the third round. He has a ton of talent but had posted a 7.36 ERA through his first four starts. He has the stuff to be a big-time strikeout guy, but he currently lacks the command to be consistent. Last year, Bonnin made 15 appearances – including 13 starts – and struck out a batter per inning but also walked 45 in 64.0 innings (6.2 BB/9). It’ll be interesting to see if he signs. Otherwise, he can return to school for his senior year and try this again next June.
light. Related Story. Biggest needs on Day 2
Joe Boyle was one of the more underrated fifth-round picks, but now the major question is whether he’ll sign at such a small slot bonus. He’d be a nice addition to the Reds bullpen in a couple of years, collecting four saves over the last two seasons.
Before the shutdown, Boyle made six appearances, striking out 17 batters in just 8.1 innings while limiting batters to a .107 average. He has the propensity to walk a few batters – 6.3 BB/9 in 2019 – but, if he puts it all together (and signs), Boyle could be end up being a very attractive option for the Reds bullpen.
3. Chicago Cubs
I wasn’t crazy about the last pick of the draft and felt that the Cubs punted with it. However, the other four picks are all promising players that will be valuable in their own ways.