The Cincinnati Reds’ infield is shrouded in uncertainty. How will Gavin Lux fit into the mix? Can Matt McLain rebound from injury? And who will take over at third base? One thing, however, is certain: Elly De La Cruz will remain the focal point of the infield, regardless of his position.
As the Reds’ most dynamic defender, his importance is undeniable. Yet, a former Reds standout could help elevate his game even further.
Brandon Phillips, a four-time Gold Glove second baseman for the Reds, stirred excitement on X with a playful offer to lend his expertise.
When a fan suggested he “show Elly a thing or two,” Phillips cheekily replied, “They ask, I’ll come.” The response sent Reds fans on Twitter into a frenzy.
Brandon Phillips’ offer to help Elly De La Cruz could make the young shortstop into an elite defender
Former stars stopping by spring training to mentor younger players is a common practice, and even a few sessions with Phillips could help elevate De La Cruz from a solid contributor to a superstar. De La Cruz already stands out as the Reds’ most productive player, with 15 outs above average in 2024, thanks largely to his rocket-like arm.
However, De La Cruz struggles with range and reaction. He led all MLB shortstops with 29 errors last season, and his ultimate zone rating was eight points below average. This is where Phillips excelled during his Reds tenure from 2006 to 2016, boasting two of the top 10 UZR seasons among second basemen and accumulating the second-highest defensive WAR at the position during that span.
Phillips and De La Cruz also seem like they’d have great chemistry. Both are known for their dramatic flair—Phillips for his iconic bat flips and flashy defensive plays. Pairing them under manager Terry Francona, who knows how to balance personalities, could be a perfect fit.
Bringing Phillips on as a coach or spring training guest would benefit not just De La Cruz but the entire Reds infield. Players like Lux, who has versatility but rates below average at most positions, and McLain, who performs better at shortstop than second base, could learn a lot from Phillips.
At the very least, Phillips’ presence would remind Reds fans of a more successful era. As a key figure in Cincinnati’s last division-winning team, he knows what it takes to win. Perhaps some of that winning mentality will inspire the 2025 squad.
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