3 once-promising Reds prospects who face a make-or-break second half

The 2025 MLB Draft will help to usher in the newest crop of Cincinnati Reds’ prospects. As such, the second-half of the season is a fitting time to reevaluate players’ role and future in the organization.

While none of Cincinnati's picks seem likely to be fast-tracked to the majors, the new blood and first-half breakouts may jeopardize the future of several Reds prospects once considered to be irreplaceable.

3 once-promising Reds prospects who face a make-or-break second half

Connor Phillips, Reds pitching prospect

Connor Phillips’ journey from promising prospect to washout to comeback hopeful has been well-documented. This year, however, could be even more important for the right-hander. Phillips has been used exclusively as a reliever for the first time in his career, but the results haven’t exactly been hopeful. Phillips has cut his hit rate in half, but he still has some of the wildness that jeopardized his starting career.

With pitching prospect Zach Maxwell eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this coming offseason, Phillips’ spot on the 40-man roster is problematic. If his second half isn’t stellar, he could either be designated for assignment or dealt at the MLB trade deadline to a team willing to take a risk.

Mat Nelson, Reds catching prospect

Back in 2021, the Reds spent a Competitive Balance Round on Florida State catcher Mat Nelson. Considering he was one of the oldest college juniors in the draft, one might expect Nelson — who was the top college catcher in the nation in 2021 — to have made greater strides toward the big leagues. The 26-year-old, however, is currently on his third go-round at Double-A and has slipped behind Cade Hunter on the depth chart. Nelson is also Rule 5 eligible this winter but likely doesn’t have the tools to merit a 40-man roster spot.

Of more concern for Nelson, though, is the rise of Alfredo Duno. The Reds’ catcher of the future is making progress in Low-A Daytona and should move to High-A in the near future. Duno's just 19 years old and has a ways to go defensively, but he could be on a collision course with Nelson.

Victor Acosta, Reds infield prospect

In a farm system littered with athletic middle infielders, the Reds already have a shortstop problem. Acosta, who was acquired in the Brandon Drury trade back in 2022, was already moving to the fringes of that group even before the Reds drafted Steele Hall in the draft this past Sunday.

Acosta's made some progress in his second stint at High-A Dayton, especially in controlling the zone. He has cut his strikeout rate by 7%, which will benefit him considering his minimal pop. He’s seeing more time at second base this season since he shared a clubhouse with Leo Balcazar for much of this season and is just a level above breakout star Tyson Lewis. The positional versatility may play to Acosta’s benefit, particularly if he continues to have solid bat-to-ball skills.

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