Reds Eye Top College Hitter Ike Irish in Recent MLB Mock Draft
The Cincinnati Reds, positioned at No. 9 in the 2025 MLB Draft, have been linked with a compelling offensive prospect in a recent mock draft by Baseball America. In that scenario, the Reds select one of the nation’s best collegiate hitters, Ike Irish, an Auburn University standout and multi-positional talent.
According to Baseball America’s Mock Draft 5.0, Irish is pegged at No. 12 overall but stands out as a premier bat in a draft class that’s otherwise light on impact college hitters (si.com). His performance at Auburn has been nothing short of impressive—he slashed .350/.435/.625 over his college career, finishing all three seasons in the competitive SEC, which speaks volumes about his plate discipline and ability to hit big against top-tier pitching (si.com).
Evaluating Irish’s Batting Profile
Scouts rave about his keen strike-zone awareness and bat speed, attributes that often herald long-term success at the plate. Some project him to hit 20–25 home runs in a season at the pro level (si.com). Though he’s primarily a catcher—playing that position for his first two college seasons—he logged time in the outfield during his third year. Because of questions surrounding his defensive skills behind the plate, some talent evaluators feel he may eventually settle as a corner outfielder or first baseman, as he possesses a solid arm suited for those roles (si.com).
The singular concern appears to be his durability and consistency at catcher: specifically, his ability to consistently block pitches in the dirt and improve as a receiver. Nonetheless, a potent bat like his could mirror the value that former Reds star Joey Votto brought—strong offensive production with less emphasis on elite defense behind the dish (si.com).
Mock Draft Context and Reds Fit
In the Baseball America mock, the Reds land Irish with the ninth pick. Though several teams are in search of catching help, this draft class isn’t deep in that category—making a power-hitting, college-proven bat like Irish a rare find. His advanced offensive skill set and potential for positional flexibility make him an ideal match for a Cincinnati team that is building around a youthful core and aims to add high-floor college hitters.
With several promising position players already on the rise—such as Noelvi Marte and Spencer Steer—the addition of Irish would bring another premium bat who could eventually hit for both average and power. His triple-slash line (.350/.435/.625) in a rigorous conference like the SEC enhances his profile as a player ready to produce quickly at the next level (si.com).
Positional Outlook
Though listed primarily as a catcher, Irish’s defensive limitations behind the plate may push him to transition to first base or a corner outfield spot. He reportedly has sufficient arm strength to make that switch feasible (si.com). If that’s where he ends up, it raises questions about who would fill his position at catcher long-term—but it would also place a powerful bat into the middle of the Reds’ lineup, providing much-needed depth and consistency.
How the Reds Think
The mock scenario aligns with Cincinnati’s apparent draft philosophy: secure a high-upside college bat in the early rounds while reserving later picks for prep talents. The organization has a reputation for signing college players under slot to free up money for high-upside high schoolers and international prospects—an approach they used in recent drafts with players like Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, and Sammy Stafura (blogredmachine.com).
Considering the Reds have significant positional needs in their farm system—particularly in power hitting and catching—a player like Irish helps address multiple gaps. His SEC experience and polished offensive approach make him one of the safest bets in the draft’s top tiers.
Developmental Narrative
Irish’s demonstrated hitting ability and approach signal advanced offensive skills, something that can be built upon with professional coaching. If he transitions smoothly to a different position, his bat is still his calling card. Cincinnati’s player development infrastructure—already familiar with transforming college bats into impact pros—could fast-track Irish through the minor leagues.
Meanwhile, Reds fans and analysts alike are watching the wide-open 2025 Draft with expectations. A high-upside pick like Ike Irish—if he’s still available at No. 9—would be seen as a coup, providing immediate offense and the makings of a future middle-of-the-order threat.
In summary, the mock draft presents a scenario where the Reds capitalize on their ninth overall pick by selecting Ike Irish, bolstering their offense with a polished college bat who could thrive in a corner position. The fit looks ideal from both a strategic and developmental standpoint—and if Cincinnati keeps to its plan, Irish could be the next impact name chosen in this top-heavy class.
