Staff Reports

Austin Hendrick, an outfielder from West Allegheny, Pennsylvania, was the Cincinnati Reds’ No. 1 pick this week in the Major League Baseball draft.

The 6-foot, 195-pound Hendrick was chosen 12th in the first round. Known for his bat speed, Hendrick has made a verbal commitment to attend Mississippi State University if he cannot reach an agreement with the Reds.

In a draft shortened to five rounds, as Major League Baseball sorts out how to salvage any kind of season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and wrestles with a smaller minor league system, the Reds mixed position players and pitchers with their picks.

Right-hander Christian Roa of Texas A and M was Cincinnati’s next choice, taken 48th overall. The 6-4, 220-pound thrower appeared in just four games, pitching 20 innings this spring, before the college baseball season was terminated because of the virus.

Catcher Jackson Miller, a high school player from Mitchell, Florida, was taken next, 65th overall, by the Reds. If he does not become a Red, he will attend Wake Forest.

Bryce Bonnin, a right-hander from Texas Tech, throws 97 mph and appeared in four games this spring.

Outfielder Mac Wainwright is from St. Edward High School in Ohio and has committed to Ohio State. Just 17, Wainwright has also been sidelined with a leg injury. He is ranked as possessing a very strong throwing arm in his 6-1, 215-pound body.

Joe Boyle is another right-handed pitcher taken by the Reds. He plays for Notre Dame, is 6-7, 240 and has a fastball that is regularly in the high 90s but has also reached 102 mph.

Major league teams have until Aug. 1 to sign draft picks. Those who sign receive $100,000 with the rest of their bonuses deferred. Cincinnati has an overall spending pool of $8.5 million to use for these players to sign.