The Cincinnati Reds have been diligently cultivating a group of promising young pitchers. They aim to bolster their rotation in the coming seasons. Among these key young pitchers to watch are Rhett Lowder, Connor Phillips, Chase Petty, and Chase Burns. Each brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the mound. Let’s delve deeper into their backgrounds, minor-league performances, and anticipated timelines for the majors.
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Rhett Lowder
Rhett Lowder, a right-handed pitcher, was selected by the Reds as the seventh overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. His collegiate career at Wake Forest was nothing short of stellar. In 2023, he achieved a remarkable 15-0 record with a 1.87 ERA, striking out 143 batters over 120 1/3 innings while issuing only 24 walks.
Since joining the Reds organization, Lowder has continued to impress. He possesses a mid-90s sinking fastball. It is complemented by an elite changeup. Both pitches contribute to his ability to induce ground balls effectively. Lowder pitched in six games last year for the Reds throwing 30.2 innings. He registered a two-win and two-loss record with the Reds. In those games, he struck out 22 batters while only giving up a 1.17 ERA to pair with a 1.27 WHIP. He also made 22 starts in the minor across three levels (A+,AA, AAA) last year for the Reds. With a six-and-four record over 108.2 innings. Striking out 113 batters on his way to a 3.64 ERA, and a 1.15 WHIP. Lowder If healthy should see time with the big club again this year.
Connor Phillips
Connor Phillips is another right-hander. He joined the Reds in March 2022. This was part of a trade with the Seattle Mariners involving Eugenio Suárez and Jesse Winker. Originally, the Mariners selected Phillips as a second-round pick in 2020. He made his MLB debut with the Reds late in the 2023 season. Where he showcased his potential during spring training. He began the 2024 season at Triple-A Louisville. There, he delivered an impressive six-inning, one-run performance in his debut. After the debut, he struggled with a three-win and nine losses record to go along with an 8.01 ERA.
Phillips has demonstrated promise as a starter. However, recent performances in the Arizona Fall League suggest a potential transition to a relief role. This shift could expedite his return to the majors, possibly solidifying a bullpen spot in the 2025 season. Phillips is most certainly heading to Louisville to pitch for the Bats in Triple-A this year. It will be important to pay attention to how he’s used. This will show if the back end of the bullpen is truly a route for him in the future.
Chase Petty
Chase Petty is a right-handed pitcher. He was initially drafted by the Minnesota Twins as the 26th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. The Reds acquired him in exchange for veteran Sonny Gray in 2022. Despite a 12-13 record over 308.1 minor-league innings, Petty’s underlying metrics are encouraging. He has amassed 298 strikeouts against 106 walks. His arsenal includes a mid-90s four-seam fastball. He also has a 91-93 mph cutter.
Petty has a chance to start the year perhaps in Triple-A. Alternatively, the Reds can send him to Chattanooga to start the year. This would allow them to see if he can limit his walks before making the jump to Louisville in Triple-A. Petty has all the tools and an impressive arsenal of pitches. If he can reel in his command, he becomes a good back end of the rotation option. He could achieve this as early as 2026. We hope he continues to develop. He could become a solid option as a number three or two within the rotation in the future.
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Chase Burns
Chase Burns stands at 6’3″ and weighs 210 pounds. Burns is the newest addition to the roster of these four key young pitchers to watch. The Reds selected him as the second overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. His collegiate career included stints at the University of Tennessee and Wake Forest University. In 2022, while at Tennessee, Burns posted an 8-2 record with a 2.91 ERA over 80 1/3 innings, striking out 103 batters. The following year, he recorded a 5-3 record with a 4.25 ERA over 72 innings, with 114 strikeouts.
Burns is renowned for his electric stuff, boasting two standout pitches that distinguish him from his peers. With a fastball in the high 90’s and even touching triple digits. His slider is one of the best secondary pitches in any minor league system right now. His mechanics have raised some concerns about a potential future in relief. However, his performance thus far has alleviated many of those worries. Burns has an advanced repertoire. He could ascend rapidly through the minors. He has an eye toward a major league debut in late 2025 or early 2026.
Overview
In summary, the Reds’ investment in these four key young pitchers highlights their dedication. They are committed to building a formidable rotation for the future. Fans can look forward to seeing these young arms contribute at the major league level in the coming seasons. They could transform the Reds’ pitching staff into one of the most dynamic in baseball. Even if Phillips ends up in the bullpen, he’s still a valuable piece. He contributes significantly to this young pitching core that the Reds have assembled. The Reds have a very exciting core with Matt McLain, Edwin Arroyo, and Elly De La Cruz in the lineup. These young arms add to their potential for the future.
