Is Hunter Greene’s future with the Reds uncertain?
The Cincinnati Reds have been receiving notable attention regarding starting pitcher Hunter Greene, who is currently signed for $15 million next season, with his contract extending to $16 million in 2028, reports The Athletic.
Although there is no strong indication from the Reds that they are eager to trade Greene, moving him could provide a strategic advantage at the upcoming trade deadline. This move seems all the more plausible given that an exchange involving Elly De La Cruz appears even less feasible.
Among the Reds’ roster, other potential trade assets include players like Brady Singer and Nathaniel Lowe, both on expiring contracts. However, these trades are unlikely to bring the same level of return as Greene might command.
Hunter Greene’s performance was hampered earlier this year due to an elbow surgery that sidelined him for the first three months of the 2026 season. Since his return, he has shown varied performance across his initial four starts.
His first appearance of the season saw him give up eight earned runs in 3 1/3 innings, while he followed that with seven innings of three-hit ball with 12 strikeouts.
Greene surrendered three runs over six innings against the Rockies on July 19, and his latest start last week he lasted 5 1/3 innings with seven runs against — six earned.
He currently sports a 7.06 ERA and 1.34 WHIP.
Generally, Greene has been a reliable starter for the Reds across four years prior, overpowering hitters by consistently topping 100 miles per hour.
In 2024, he had a 2.75 ERA in 150 innings while racking up 169 strikeouts.
Last season, albeit in fewer starts, he recorded a 2.76 ERA with 132 strikeouts.
Over the last two seasons, Greene has a 2.29 ERA in 13 starts at Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark and 5.33 ERA in 10 road starts.
Outside of Tarik Skubal, Greene may be the best starting pitcher on the market for teams come the trade deadline, giving clubs like the Brewers and Braves a chance to pounce if the Dodgers land Skubal.
Despite starting the season 20-11, the Reds have remained outside the hunt in the NL Wild Card race for much of the season, entering Thursday’s slate 50-57 and six games back of the third and final spot.
If Greene were to be traded, second-year starter Chase Burns would become the centerpiece of the Reds’ rotation.
Burns has a 2.40 ERA in 112 innings this year.