The Cincinnati Reds didn’t just draft Scott Rolen—they maneuvered their way into a position to do it. After a blockbuster trade last month with the Chicago White Sox to acquire the #1 overall pick, the Reds wasted no time selecting the 20-year-old third baseman, signaling that their infield of the future begins now.
The Trade That Made It Happen
On October 25, the Reds sent a package of picks—including their own second-rounder and additional first-round selections from Baltimore and Toronto—to the White Sox in exchange for Chicago’s 1st and 2nd round picks in the 1995 draft. It was an aggressive move for a franchise that has been rebuilding on the fly.
By pulling the trigger, Cincinnati put themselves in position to land Rolen, a player they believe can anchor their infield for the next decade.
Why Rolen Starts Now
Rolen’s advanced skill set suggests he won’t need much seasoning. His OSA scouting report paints the picture of a future All-Star:
- Batting Ratings: Contact (13/15), Gap (14/17), Power (12/14), Eye (13/13), Avoid K’s (9/11).
- Fielding Ratings: Range (14), Errors (17), Arm (16), Turn DP (14).
- Position Rating: 3B (16).
While his bat projects to grow over time, Rolen already profiles as a defensive upgrade at third base, where Craig Grebeck has struggled.
A Clear Upgrade Over Grebeck
Grebeck’s 1995 season was emblematic of his career: serviceable but unspectacular. He slashed .232/.316/.345 with 5 home runs and posted a 1.9 WAR, bringing his career total to 8.3 across 746 games. At age 30, Grebeck’s value is rooted in versatility and experience—not upside.
Rolen, by contrast, brings youth, elite defensive tools, and a developing bat. Even if he scuffles early at the plate, his glove and arm strength should save runs immediately for a Reds pitching staff that relies heavily on groundball outs.
The Verdict
Cincinnati’s front office is betting that Rolen will become more than just Grebeck’s replacement—they expect him to be the franchise’s centerpiece. For a club that hasn’t had an impact third baseman since Buddy Bell’s heyday, this pick could mark the beginning of a new era.
Reds fans have been patient through a middling stretch. Scott Rolen’s arrival might be the first real payoff.