Reds at 18: Pitch or Position? | MLB News

The 2026 MLB Draft is set for July 11-12 in Philly, with the Reds picking 18th—just as they’re weighing whether to bolster their pitching depth or address glaring positional needs. With top arms like Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder already rising, the Reds could target pitchers like Flukey or Peterson if top prospects slip. But drafting for need isn’t always wise—recall last year’s Burns pick over Condon, who’s now an All-Star. Projections vary wildly: outfielder Trevor Condon, pitcher Case Townsend, catcher Ryder Helfrick, or shortstop Justin Lebron could all be in play. With the trade deadline looming, this draft could be pivotal for shaping the Reds’ future. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8f060efa1b3fe449