The Cincinnati Reds used their third-round pick—83rd overall—in the 2025 MLB Draft to select right-handed pitcher Mason Morris from the University of Mississippi, better known as Ole Miss. This marks a significant moment not only for Morris, but also for the Ole Miss baseball program. Morris is the first Rebel to be drafted within the first three rounds since 2023, and only the third to earn that honor in the past four years—a clear sign of how much his talent and hard work have stood out.
Originally from Tupelo, Mississippi, Morris has had quite the journey. He actually began his college career not as a pitcher, but as a shortstop. Over time, though, he transitioned to the mound—a move that has clearly paid off. Standing at an athletic 6-foot-4, Morris brings both size and presence to the pitcher’s role. Though he didn’t start any games this past season, he served as a key long reliever for the Rebels, often stepping into pressure-filled situations and delivering results.
And deliver he did. Morris posted a 5–1 record with a 3.29 ERA over 54.2 innings of work. He struck out 78 batters during that stretch, making him the second-most prolific strikeout artist on the team. He also ranked third in total wins, despite the fact that he never took the mound to begin a game. That stat alone speaks volumes about the impact he had in relief, and how consistently effective he was whenever his number was called.
Morris’s 2025 performance was a big leap from his first two seasons, during which he pitched a total of just 40.2 innings. This year, he not only increased his workload, but also achieved career-best numbers across the board. He was particularly strong during SEC play, which is widely regarded as the most competitive conference in college baseball. In nine of his 11 SEC appearances, Morris struck out at least four batters, and he only allowed more than two walks in one of those outings. He also managed to limit opposing teams to three hits or fewer in all but two appearances—an impressive sign of both command and poise on the mound.
Across his three-year career at Ole Miss, Morris pitched in 51 games, all in relief. He accumulated a total of 95.1 innings, with 123 strikeouts and a career ERA of 4.63. Those numbers, combined with his size, athleticism, and steady improvement, made him an appealing prospect for MLB scouts.
MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon noted that although Morris started off his baseball career as a position player, he’s grown into someone with the tools and potential to be a starting pitcher in the pros. He features a diverse mix of pitches—highlighted by a fastball that sits in the low-to-mid 90s, as well as a cutter, slider, and splitter. That pitch variety, along with his deceptive delivery and athletic frame, gives him a promising upside. Coaches and scouts alike see untapped potential in him, and the Reds are clearly banking on that as they look to develop him within their system.
In the end, Mason Morris’s story is one of adaptability, growth, and rising to the occasion when given the opportunity. From shortstop to bullpen ace, and now a top-100 MLB Draft pick, he’s earned every step of the journey—and the best may still be ahead.