Speculation, but you have to think Bowen and the Reds already have a deal in place after taking him in the 5th.
If something falls apart before the deadline, was Ponatoski in the 18th the backup plan to still land a high-level prep? Both probably have similar evaluation grades?
18.542 CIN
SS/RHP Matt Ponatoski (@BigMoeBaseball)
L-R, 6-2/200
Elite two-way athlete with a 70-grade arm, mid-90s fastball and an advanced left-handed bat
@PG_OhioValley
Really surprised with this pick as I was under the impression he was going to be a tough sign with his age. However, tools are a good mold of clay to work with.
Interesting to see if his older brother with Notre Dame ☘️ will look to be in stripes next year with Golden.
For the amount of criticism the Reds have received over Matt McLain’s hit tool at the MLB level and development, taking a middle infielder with a fringy hit tool is certainly a decision.
The @whitesox select Roch Cholowsky with the 1st overall pick in the 2026 #MLBDraft. That's the 14th time in Draft history that a SS has been taken 1st overall. Also, the 9th time since 2004.
@jjcoop36@BaseballAmerica#PramanaSHIFT
Navy's Landon Robinson and Eli Heidenreich were both drafted in the 7th round ⚓
This is the first time that two Navy players were taken in the NFL draft since 1956 👏