Latest Arizona Fall League performance reveals Reds prospect's best path back to MLB

Much-maligned Cincinnati Reds prospect Connor Phillips had some success in his latest Arizona Fall League performance. The right-hander came on relief of Philadelphia Phillies' prospect Andrew Painter and delivered four shutout innings while striking out five batters and walking just one in the Glendale Desert Dogs' victory last Thursday over the Salt River Rafters.

This is the first occasion during the fall league that Phillips came on as a reliever, and perhaps that could be the key to unlocking the 22-year-old's potential moving forward. It's time for the Reds to look to Phillips as a reliever rather than a starter.

Reds prospect Connor Phillips would be best served as a reliever, not a starter

Looking at Cincinnati's starting rotation heading into 2025, it's hard to even find a spot for Phillips. Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Rhett Lowder likely comprise 80% of the Reds Opening Day rotation. Despite the fact that both Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar will miss the 2025 campaign after both pitchers underwent Tommy John surgery, Phillips still faces a tall task if he hopes to rejoin Cincinnati's rotation.

There's a good chance that the Reds will look to add a veteran starter this offseason — whether that's trading for Sonny Gray or re-signing Nick Martinez — and Cincinnati also some talented young arms down on the farm. Chase Petty, Jose Acuña, and Chase Burns will all be looking for a spot on the major league roster next season, and even Graham Ashcraft will likely get another look after a rough go of it in 2024.

Phillips has an electric fastball and two above-average breaking balls. The righty's biggest hangup has been control. Phillips walked 60 batters in 19 starts at Triple-A Louisville last season and walked nearly seven batters per nine innings pitched. Shortening the game and turning Phillips from a starter to high-leverage reliever may be the young hurler's best path back to the big leagues.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors