3 Reds starting pitchers who will begin the 2024 season in Triple-A and 2 who won't

The Cincinnati Reds, if healthy, have at least seven viable starting pitchers. If free agent signee Nick Martinez, as has been suggested by the Reds front office, will be in the mix for a spot in the starting rotation, that number goes up to eight.

The only problem with that is there are only five spots up for grabs. After the Reds signed Frankie Montas this past week, that number drops to just four. Hunter Greene, who signed a six-year contract extension last spring, will be part of the roster as well. That leaves just three spots for at least six pitchers.

According to Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall, via MLB.com, there are going to be some guys who will be in Triple-A. Who those players are, and how long they'll remain in the minors is unclear. Let's try to shed some light on this subject. Who are the three Reds starting pitchers that will begin the 2024 season in Triple-A, and which two will be part of the big league ball club?

Reds RHP Connor Phillips will begin the 2024 season in Triple-A

Connor Phillips did not have the type of entrance in to the big leagues he'd have preferred. In fact, the right-hander has had all offseason to remember the horrific outing he put forth against the St. Louis Cardinals with the Cincinnati Reds' playoff hopes still alive.

Phillips has been the target of many trade talks this offseason. Phillips' name supposed came up during trade conversations involving Chicago White Sox pitcher Dylan Cease. However, with the 22-year-old still on the roster, it's apparent that Cincinnati views Phillips as part of their long-term plans.

There are scouts who believe that Phillips carries way too much reliever risk to include the right-hander in the team's plans for a future spot in the rotation. But the Reds are not going to let that deter them from giving Phillips every chance to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster as a starter.

Connor Phillips is way ahead of where many assumed he'd be at this point in his career, but the youngster still has some things to learn before he'll be counted on every fifth day. Look for Phillips to receive a real chance to land a spot on the Reds' Opening Day roster, but there's only so many spots up for grabs.