The Boston Red Sox selected right-handed pitcher Marcus Phillips out of Tennessee with the 33rd overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. For those unfamiliar, the 33rd pick was part of the return for Quinn Priester from the Milwaukee Brewers.
Phillips going at No. 33 might be considered by some to be a slight reach. But for the Red Sox and their plans, it makes sense.
Let's get the most obvious point out of the way immediately. Phillips will sign under the slot value. That means the Red Sox will have more money to spend on players later in the draft. Anthony Eyanson, the 87th overall selection, is the perfect example of someone who Boston might need to spend a few extra dollars on.
Phillips is a college arm, but is only 20 years old. He's a massive body who sits in the high-90s with his fastball, but he can touch over 100 miles per hour. He also possesses a changeup and a slider, both with plus-potential.
Here's why Marcus Phillips wasn't a 'reach' as the Red Sox's 33rd overall MLB Draft pick
With the 33rd pick in the 2025 #MLBDraft, we have selected RHP Marcus Phillips from the University of Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/UsXGsLfZZi
— Red Sox (@RedSox) July 14, 2025
If they can develop Phillips right, this is an absolutely electric front-line starter. What makes this a great pick, though, is the floor. If they don't feel his command or his secondary pitches improve enough, Phillips can be turned into a devastating reliever.
Boston's pitching lab has done wonders for pitchers in the minor leagues. In one year, Payton Tolle has gone from low-90s to consistently sitting around 96-98. What if they unlock something extra in Phillips, and we see him sitting around 100? What if his slider and changeup become more consistent and add some movement?
Phillips gave the Red Sox draft flexibility with a lower slot value. However, he also gives them the ceiling of an ace and the floor of a back-end reliever.
With him listed around 60 on MLB's big board, some fans might think this is a reach. Boston targeted Phillips for a reason, though. He's someone we'll be talking about next year and laughing that anyone was skeptical of his value.