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Three Former Reds Prospects Now Facing Crucial Second-Half Test
With fresh talent emerging, these once-hyped names are running out of time to prove they belong
By Abigail Miskowiec
| July 20, 2025
As the Cincinnati Reds welcome their newest batch of young talent following the 2025 MLB Draft, the second half of the season brings more than just fresh faces—it brings renewed pressure on several players whose futures with the organization are hanging in the balance.
Though none of this year’s draft picks appear poised for a rapid rise to the big leagues, their arrival—alongside key first-half breakout performances—raises the stakes for several players who were once seen as foundational to the Reds’ long-term plans. These three prospects, once considered part of Cincinnati’s core, now find themselves in a make-or-break stretch.
Connor Phillips – Right-Handed Pitcher
Once a top pitching prospect, Connor Phillips has endured a rollercoaster journey—flashing promise, faltering, and now trying to reinvent himself as a reliever. While he’s managed to reduce the number of hits he allows, control issues continue to hinder his effectiveness on the mound. With hard-throwing righty Zach Maxwell eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this offseason, Phillips’ place on the Reds’ 40-man roster is no longer guaranteed. Without a strong second-half turnaround, the organization could look to move him or risk losing him for nothing.
Mat Nelson – Catcher
Taken in the Competitive Balance Round of the 2021 draft, Mat Nelson entered the Reds’ system as the top collegiate catcher in the country. Now 26, he’s still in Double-A for a third season and has slipped behind other prospects, including Cade Hunter. His offensive development has stalled, and with Rule 5 eligibility approaching, he likely doesn’t have the résumé to warrant protection. Adding to the pressure is the rapid rise of 19-year-old Alfredo Duno, who’s making noise in Low-A and could soon pass Nelson on the depth chart.
Victor Acosta – Middle Infielder
Acquired in the 2022 deal that sent Brandon Drury to San Diego, Victor Acosta has shown flashes of improvement at High-A Dayton, particularly in his plate discipline. He’s cut down his strikeouts and is now logging innings at second base to increase his value. But in a system loaded with infield talent—including recent draftee Steele Hall and surging prospect Tyson Lewis—Acosta is being squeezed. His ability to play multiple positions might keep him relevant, but unless he continues to show growth, his path to the majors could close quickly.
With a wave of new prospects arriving and the Rule 5 Draft deadline looming, these three players face a pivotal few months. For Phillips, Nelson, and Acosta, it’s no longer about potential—it’s about performance, and time is running out.
