Cam Collier reclaims Top-100 ranking, but another Reds prospect falls out

Prospects are just that until they make it to the major leagues. That statement draws a lot of nods from Cincinnati Reds fans who've seen their fair share of can't-miss prospects over the years. Brandon Larson, Robert Stephenson, and Nick Senzel all come to mind.

But to ignore prospect rankings altogether is a rather foolish endeavor. More times than not, players who are highly-rated, both before and after the draft, are there because of an projectable skillset that should lead to success in the major leagues. Reds fans are hopeful that MLB Pipeline's updated rankings are accurate when it comes to former first-round draft pick Cam Collier.

Reds prospect Cam Collier reclaims Top-100 ranking

Collier is back among the Top-100 prospects in baseball according to MLB Pipeline. It was a spot that the 19-year-old occupied until last season when he unceremoniously removed from the list. But it would appear that Collier took that snub personally, and he's set out to right a wrong in 2024.

Collier has been one of the hottest prospects in all of baseball, and MLB Pipeline had no choice to to elevate the infielder back among the best in the game. Collier is hitting .264/.308/.496 with seven home runs and 28 RBI. The strikeouts are a bit higher than most Reds fans want to see, but there's plenty of time for Collier to continue to develop and refine his game.

Reds prospect Connor Phillips falls out of Top-100 ranking

While Collier's 2024 season is off to hot-start, the same cannot be said for Connor Phillips. After making his major league debut in 2023, Phillips was sent to Triple-A Louisville to begin this season as part of the Bats' starting rotation.

Phillips has endured a disastrous start to the season with a 2-2 record and 8.28 ERA. As has been the case since Phillips was traded to the Reds from the Seattle Mariners, the walks have been the biggest concern. At the moment, the right-hander has more free passes (23) than punch outs (22). Phillips is no longer considered a Top-100 prospect.

Most Reds fans will remember that it was Phillips' three straight walks on 12 straight pitches that all but ended the Reds' 2023 season. In the second-to-last game last season, Phillips walked three consecutive St. Louis Cardinals hitters and was lifted without recording an out. The Cardinals scored five runs in the first frame and won the game by a final of 15-6.

Until Phillips figures out how to keep the bases clear of free runners, he's destinated to stay in the minor leagues. Collier, on the other hand, may be moving up to Double-A Chattanooga sooner rather than later.

More Cincinnati Reds News from Blog Red Machine