Spring training is often where teams start to piece together their bullpens, and for the Cincinnati Reds, it's clear that having depth is crucial. Connor Phillips, Zach Maxwell, and Luis Mey have the raw talent that pitching coaches dream about. But as early camp has shown, without consistent strikes, all that potential can quickly fade.
Enter Tejay Antone, the steadying force the Reds might not want to admit they need but clearly do.
Reds’ Bullpen Volatility Highlights Antone’s Importance
The early glimpses from spring training paint a vivid picture. On one hand, you have Antone, who logged a flawless inning - no runs, no hits, no drama. On the other, you have a bullpen that's been more of a roller coaster.
Maxwell, for instance, walked four batters in just two-thirds of an inning and allowed a run. His raw talent is undeniable, but execution remains a challenge.
Mey struggled too, recording just two outs while giving up five earned runs. Phillips faced similar issues, getting only two outs and allowing three earned runs.
Phillips’ 2025 season gives the Reds hope. A 2.88 ERA over 25 innings, with a dominant final stretch, shows promise.
But spring training isn’t the time to gamble on potential alone. If control is shaky now, the Reds can’t afford to rely on hope alone for leverage innings.
Maxwell, known as “Big Sugar,” brings electrifying energy with his 99-plus mph fastball. But his command will determine if he’s a bullpen weapon or a liability. Early struggles in camp don’t erase his potential, but they do impact his chances for Opening Day.
Mey’s velocity is jaw-dropping at 103-plus mph, paired with a 3.43 ERA in 21 big-league innings last year. Yet, his high walk rate is a glaring issue. Giving free passes to major-league hitters can quickly turn his velocity into a problem.
Antone might not be the flashiest choice, but he’s reliable. He attacks hitters, misses bats, and doesn’t need perfect conditions to succeed. The Reds don’t need him to be a hero; they need him to stabilize the bullpen and avoid turning games into walk-fests.
If Phillips, Maxwell, and Mey find their groove, the Reds’ bullpen could be formidable. But with spring already revealing potential pitfalls, the smart move is to lean on someone like Antone, who’s built to handle the pressure.
This bullpen chaos actually opens the door for Antone. If he stays healthy and sharp, the conversation shifts from being a feel-good story to a crucial piece of the Reds’ roster puzzle.