In the world of baseball, words can ignite more than just a conversation. When Emilio Pagán, the Reds’ closer, highlighted Connor Phillips’ pivotal role in last season's playoff push, it was more than just a pat on the back. It hinted at a brewing competition in the bullpen.
“What Connor Phillips did for us down the stretch last year was incredible,” Pagán remarked. “You could argue we don’t make the playoffs without him.”
Such praise isn’t just a compliment when the player in question is a rising star who could potentially vie for the closer role. Phillips, at just 24, boasts impressive velocity and a breaking ball that can leave batters baffled.
Even Terry Francona noted the shift in the bullpen's dynamic when Phillips was on his game. His performance in September, with a 1.35 ERA and a minuscule .049 batting average against, was nothing short of spectacular.
His 19 strikeouts tied him for fourth-most among relievers that month.
Phillips’ emergence has transformed the bullpen from a structured hierarchy into a meritocracy. Whoever performs best gets the call, and Phillips has proven he can deliver when it counts.
His journey from a rough patch in 2023-marked by a streak of 12 consecutive balls-to overcoming thoracic outlet syndrome and regaining feeling in his arm, exemplifies resilience. It’s a story familiar to Cincinnati fans: unpredictable, challenging, but ultimately rewarding.
The Reds have a knack for developing bullpen stars amid chaos, and Phillips is the latest testament to that. Pagán’s acknowledgment isn’t just about recognizing a teammate’s contribution; it’s about identifying the type of player who could take over in high-pressure situations. If Phillips can sustain his September form throughout the season, what started as a compliment may well turn into a campaign for the closer role.