The Cincinnati Reds could turn to former top prospect Connor Phillips to fill a role in the team’s bullpen this season.
The Cincinnati Reds are poised to be a formidable postseason contender, thanks to their talented core and impressive pitching staff. With Elly De La Cruz, one of the league’s top young players, and contributors like Gavin Lux, Austin Hays, and Tyler Stephenson, the team has a strong foundation.
The pitching staff, led by Hunter Greene, has been outstanding. Greene’s dominant performance has been a highlight of the season, with the exception of one rough outing in Baltimore. The bullpen has also shown solidity, but might benefit from additional depth.
Interestingly, the Reds might not need to look far for that depth. Connor Phillips, a promising flamethrower in the minor leagues, could be the answer. Phillips’ skills and potential make him an intriguing candidate to bolster the bullpen.
With their talented roster and potential for further additions, the Reds are certainly a team to watch in the postseason. Will they live up to expectations and make a deep run?
Connor Phillips’ career with the Cincinnati Reds seemed destined for disappointment after a rough start to his professional journey. In 2023, Phillips was given the opportunity to debut in the major leagues, but unfortunately, he encountered significant challenges. His struggles were primarily attributed to command issues, which led the Reds to reevaluate his role within the team.
In an effort to refine his skills and regain his footing, Phillips was sent to Triple-A Louisville for further development. However, his time in Louisville proved to be particularly difficult, as he posted an ERA exceeding 8.00. This underwhelming performance understandably raised concerns among Reds fans, many of whom began to question his potential.
As the new season approached, it became increasingly evident that a change was necessary if Phillips hoped to revive his career and secure a spot in the major leagues. Recognizing this, the Reds’ coaching staff made a strategic decision to transition Phillips from a starting pitcher to a reliever. This move marked a significant turning point in his career.
Phillips’ experience prior to this role change was predominantly as a starter, with 89 out of 90 professional appearances coming from the mound in that capacity. However, in his new role with the Reds’ High-A affiliate, Phillips has demonstrated a marked improvement. In just three relief appearances, he has showcased his dominance on the mound, even reaching an impressive velocity of 101 MPH in his most recent outing.
This newfound success has sparked optimism about Phillips’ potential future in the minor leagues. If he can maintain his current level of performance and continue to dominate hitters, there is a possibility that he could be fast-tracked back up the ranks. Given his previous experience in the major leagues, Phillips may be able to quickly ascend the ladder and potentially earn another opportunity with the Reds.
The Reds have a history of successfully transitioning pitchers from starting roles to relief positions. Lyon Richardson, for example, made the move from a minor league starter to a big league bullpen arm, showcasing the team’s ability to adapt and utilize their pitching talent effectively. Similarly, Graham Ashcraft, who initially struggled as a starter, has found success as a reliever, becoming an excellent asset in the bullpen.
With established starters like Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, and Chase Petty firmly entrenched in the rotation, Phillips’ prospects as a starter seemed limited. However, his new role in the bullpen offers a fresh opportunity for him to contribute to the team. If Phillips can continue to perform at a high level and maintain his effectiveness, there is potential for him to become a valuable member of the Reds’ bullpen.
Ultimately, Phillips’ journey serves as a testament to the importance of adaptability and perseverance in professional sports. As he continues to work towards securing his place in the major leagues, the question remains: can he sustain his current level of performance and earn another chance with the Reds? Only time will tell, but the early signs are certainly promising.
