High-stakes season awaits fallen Reds prospect whose role is still undefined

Connor Phillips is probably tired of hearing that this is a make-or-break season. The narrative has been attached to the 23-year-old for the past few spring training camps. This year, though, really does feel like the last chance for the right-hander to earn a long-term spot in the majors.

Despite the complete reboot that Phillips underwent in 2024, the Reds haven’t completely lost hope in him. He still has a spot on the 40-man roster and is getting meaningful reps with the team in games this spring. Still, with so many pitching prospects on the precipice of the big leagues, Phillips may be the first man out the door in 2025.

After years of uncertainty, Reds prospect Connor Phillips may be running out of time

Luckily, Phillips is showing hopeful signs so far. He had a handful of strong outings during his stint in the Arizona Fall League, and worked two innings without giving up a hit in his spring debut. Perhaps most encouraging, his velocity and spin rate are up from last season. He’s still a Top 20 prospect, at least according to The Athletic (subscription required).

Where Phillips hasn’t shown as much improvement is his command. His walk rate in the AFL was 6.5 per nine innings, and he offered two free passes in his spring outing. Phillips’ walk rate adjusted to a new level given a second chance when he jumped to Double-A. He walked 6.7 per nine at Chattanooga in 2022 and dropped to 3.8 BB/9 the next year.

Phillips has not been able to wrangle the walks at higher levels. In 30 games over two seasons at Triple-A, his walk rate is 15.8%. This lack of command, combined with the fact that he has never pitched more than 110 innings in a season, may push Phillips into a bullpen role, but a bad spring training would be even worse.

Phillips is currently walking a tightrope at camp. If he reverts to his 2024 form, his time with the Reds may be near its end.

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