PROSPECT: Connor Phillips, SP, Cincinnati Reds
ANALYSIS: Much has been written about Reds' lefty Andrew Abbott's results to open the season, but former teammate Phillips has been having a very similar season. Acquired in the 2021-2022 offseason by the Reds from the Mariners, Phillips reached Double-A last year, but he struggled with his primarily two-pitch attack getting hit hard last season.
Phillips can reach the upper-90s with his fastball, and he has a plus curve that has been his go-to pitch prior to 2023. With the tackified ball in the Southern League, Phillips' slider has been showing significantly better results this season, leading to Phillips ranking second in the game with 16.1 K/9, behind only Abbott's 16.16 K/9 mark.
VERDICT: There is still reliever risk with Phillips due to a delivery that can be "punchy" and abrupt. However, he is having success at the Double-A level and should be rostered in deep leagues with an eye on him for shallow leagues.
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