The Cincinnati Reds signed Ryan Nutof as the first player to a contract from the 2017 draft. Nutof is a pitcher from the Universiry of Michigan who grew up outside Chicago. The Reds drafted him in the 16th round and, like Scott Feldman, he bats left but throws right.
The second pitcher signed is another righty in pitcher Connor Ryan. Ryan threw for the University Illinois (Chicago) in college. They’re in the Horizon League, home of the Homer Drew at Valparaiso.
Then the Reds’ signed lefty Packy Naughton from Virginia Tech. After being drafted in the ninth round, Naughton projects as a lefty specialist with some potential upside.