Huge Boost: Unexpected Reds prospect next team’s answer in the bullpen

The Cincinnati Reds have the potential to make a serious playoff push—and that’s no overstatement. With a strong foundation centered around Elly De La Cruz, one of the league’s most exciting young talents, the Reds are poised for success.

Though De La Cruz has yet to fully hit his stride this season, it’s likely just a matter of time. Key players like Gavin Lux, Austin Hays, and Tyler Stephenson are expected to play significant roles as the season progresses. Still, the heart of this Reds team lies in its pitching staff.

Led by Hunter Greene, Cincinnati boasts one of the more impressive rotations in the majors. Before his injury, Greene looked like one of the most dominant arms in baseball, with only a single rough outing in Baltimore marring an otherwise stellar season. The bullpen has held up well, though it could benefit from an extra piece or two.

Are the #Reds transitioning Connor Phillips to the bullpen?

Phillips has made 3 rehab appearances with the Dayton Dragons, and all 3 have been in relief. Last night, Phillips came in for the 9th inning and hit 101 MPH!#RedsMiLBpic.twitter.com/5C0WBFlXB5

— Chatterbox Sports (@CBoxSports) May 9, 2025

If the Reds decide to bolster their relief corps, they may not need to look outside the organization. There’s a high-velocity arm waiting in the minors, and many fans may have overlooked him. No, not Zach Maxwell—it’s Connor Phillips.

Connor Phillips could be the Reds’ next answer in the bullpen

The Reds called up Connor Phillips in 2023, but he struggled significantly. His command issues prompted a demotion to Triple-A, where things only got worse—he posted an ERA above 8.00 in Louisville, causing many Reds fans to lose hope in his future.

Entering this season, it was clear Phillips needed a major change if he wanted another shot at the majors—and that change came in the form of a new role.

Before this year, Phillips had made 90 professional appearances, 89 of them as a starter. However, he’s opened 2025 with three relief outings for the Reds’ High-A affiliate, and he’s looked dominant in the bullpen, even hitting 101 MPH in his most recent appearance.

Could the Reds be converting Connor Phillips into a reliever?

If he continues to command the zone and overpower hitters, he could quickly climb back through the minors. Although it’s a tough road back to the majors, having already debuted could help accelerate his return—this time as a bullpen arm.

Given Cincinnati’s current rotation depth, including five established starters plus top prospects Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, and Chase Petty, there’s little room for Phillips as a starter.

However, the Reds have had success converting other pitchers like Lyon Richardson and Graham Ashcraft into effective relievers. Phillips could be their next successful transition story.