The Cincinnati Reds are making waves in the National League Central this season, but the front office is already looking ahead to the 2026 MLB Draft, which kicks off on July 11th. With the 18th overall pick, the Reds have a prime opportunity to add a dynamic young arm to their pipeline—and one towering high school prospect is generating serious buzz as a potential fit.

While the Chicago White Sox hold the No. 1 pick and are widely expected to select UCLA's Roch Cholowsky, Cincinnati's front office has never shied away from taking high school talent in the first round. Since 2020, four of the Reds' first-round selections have been prep players, and all signs point to them continuing that trend this summer.

According to Bleacher Report's Joel Retuer, the Reds are being linked to Bishop Feehan High School left-hander Brody Bumila, one of the most intriguing arms in the entire draft class. Standing at a massive 6'9" and 255 pounds, Bumila is a two-sport standout who also excels on the basketball court. His elite athleticism for a pitcher his size is rare, and he brings an overpowering triple-digit fastball that has scouts buzzing. He's also developing a slider and changeup, giving him the makings of a true No. 1 starter.

Bumila is currently committed to the University of Texas, but if he signs this summer, he could bring that ace potential straight into the Reds' system. Of course, drafting a high school arm comes with inherent risk—young pitchers need time to develop—but Bumila's ceiling is sky-high, and his combination of size, power, and two-sport athleticism makes him one of the most exciting prospects in the 2026 class.

As the draft approaches, the Reds will have plenty of options, but if they're looking for a future frontline starter with a towering presence and a fastball that lights up the radar gun, Brody Bumila might just be their guy.