Toolsy Prep Tyson Lewis Helps Embellish Reds’ Shortstop Depth

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For the second year in a row, the Reds used their second-round draft pick on a high school shortstop. In 2024, the club selected Tyson Lewis out of Omaha’s Millard West High and went over slot to sign him for $3.05 million.

“We believe he can play shortstop long term,” Reds scouting director Joe Katuska said on the first day of the draft.

“He has power and is an above-average runner, and we believe there’s tremendous physical ability and projection with him.”

With the draft taking place in July and the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League wrapping on July 25, Lewis did not make his pro debut. The Reds and other Arizona-based organizations put together an unofficial bridge league after the ACL season for young players to gain experience.

Lewis impressed in his bridge league time.

“The athleticism really stood out,” Reds senior director of player development Jeremy Farrell said. “There’s some baseball IQ there, too. Overall, we’re really pleased with how he got his feet wet in professional baseball and excited for him to go through his first offseason.”

After the success of 2023 second-rounder Sammy Stafura in 2024 season, the Reds are likely hoping to see something similar from Lewis in 2025. He is a potential five-tool player who is among the best athletes in the farm system and has a chance to provide value in all aspects of the game.

While the Reds have Elly De La Cruz manning shortstop in Cincinnati, the Reds add the lefthanded-hitting Lewis to an exciting group of shortstop talent that also includes Edwin Arroyo, who missed the 2024 season with a shoulder injury, and Stafura likely moving up to High-A.  

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