Reds select Wake Forest righty Rhett Lowder 7th overall

With the seventh pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, the Cincinnati Reds selected Rhett Lowder, a right-handed pitcher out of Wake Forest.

Lowder is highly touted for his refined changeup, particularly for a prospect, which he throws to hitters on both sides of the plate. However, the 21-year-old's entire repertoire is impressive, with a fastball and slider that he can reliably throw for strikes. It all came together this year for Lowder in the form of a 14-0 record with a 1.77 ERA over 101 2/3 innings for the Demon Deacons. He also boasted a 125:20 strikeout-to-walk ratio while surrendering seven homers.

He might project more realistically as a mid-rotation starter. But Lowder's floor is also reasonably high considering he has a good feel for pitching and the ability to potentially move quickly through the minors with some focus on simplifying his delivery.

Bio

Age: 21
Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6-2, 200 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
School: Wake Forest
Pick value (#7): $6,275,200

Tools

• Well-rounded approach to attacking hitters
• Relies on impressive changeup for swings and misses to both righties and lefties
• Good command and control on all offerings

Why fans will love this player

• First Wake Forest hurler to be named ACC Pitcher of the Year
• One of two pitchers ever to repeat as ACC Pitcher of the Year
• Repeats delivery well

Things he'll need to overcome

• Delivery can be laborious and doesn't get much extension
• Could benefit from deeper repertoire
• Can lack consistency

Take a look ...

(Video source: MLB Pipeline)