CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Reds are optimistic about their prospects when Hunter Greene takes the mound, as the 6-foot-5 right-hander boasts one of the game’s most powerful fastballs paired with a sharp slider and a developing split-finger fastball. However, maintaining Greene’s availability throughout the season has been an ongoing challenge.
With an emphasis on having a Hunter Greene healthy season, the Reds hope to harness his pitching potential to drive their success in the coming months.
Building Durability: Greene’s Offseason Training Focus
As he enters his fifth major league season, Greene has dedicated more time to strengthening his lower body during the offseason, aiming to improve his durability. This focus on fitness is critical in Greene’s goal of extending his innings and being consistently available to the team.
“You know for me it’s being able to get to a high amount of innings, obviously strikeouts, all that good stuff, but it’s being able to go out there and stay out there as long as I can and be healthy and make all my starts,”
Greene said Sunday.
Past Performance and Injury History
Last season, Greene posted a 7-4 record with a 2.76 ERA, helping the Reds reach the National League wild card for the first time since 2020. Despite these strong numbers, Greene’s appearances were limited to a career-low 19 starts and just over 107 innings pitched due to injuries.
His playing time was interrupted by a right groin strain, which led to two stints on the injured list after he initially went down in May. Greene returned briefly before the injury sidelined him until mid-August.
Reds’ Rotation Depth and Greene’s Leadership Role
The Reds boast a talented, deep pitching rotation including All-Star left-hander Andrew Abbott, along with Nick Lodolo and Brady Singer. Additionally, former first-round picks Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns, both from Wake Forest University, are competing for the fifth starting spot.
Despite this depth, the rotation takes on a new dimension when Greene is fully healthy and able to contribute his full abilities.
Cincinnati manager Terry Francona commented on Greene’s readiness:
“He looks good, he’s in good shape. These guys, they work really hard, they get after it pretty good.”
Greene’s Background and Career Progression
Selected second overall in the 2017 amateur draft by Cincinnati, Greene endured Tommy John surgery while still in the minors but worked his way back to earn a spot in the Reds’ rotation by spring training 2022. His talent culminated in his best season last year, when he was named an NL All-Star for the first time after posting a 9-5 record with a 2.75 ERA over 26 starts and striking out 169 batters in just over 150 innings.
Even so, Greene faced elbow soreness in 2024 that sidelined him, signaling that maintaining his health remains an ongoing process.
“I’m 6-5, 230 pounds. I got a lot of body that’s coming down the hill, a lot of force, a lot of output,”
Greene said.
“So I got to make sure that all the boxes are checked when it comes to, you know, health and output. So it’s a long process, but it’s my job and I embrace it.”
Team Chemistry and Shared Accountability in Cincinnati’s Rotation
Greene has praised the potential of Cincinnati’s pitching staff as “through the roof,” emphasizing the strong relationships and accountability among the pitchers that contribute to team success.
“Our relationships are strong and there’s an accountability factor too with all of us,”
Greene said.
“I think that helps with the production on the team.”
Postseason Experience and Franchise Aspirations
Greene experienced postseason play for the first time last year when the Reds were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Wild Card Series. His first career playoff start saw him surrender five runs and six hits over three innings in Game 1, an experience that motivates him for future October runs.
Having signed a $53 million, six-year contract with Cincinnati in April 2023, Greene understands the significance of postseason success for the franchise. The Reds have not won a playoff game since 2012 and have not advanced beyond the postseason since 1995, making a deep October run especially meaningful.
“I think it’d be very special,”
Greene said.
“I mean, the rich history of Cincinnati and the World Series that they’ve been able to bring to the city, and they deserve it. It’s a baseball city. Their heart is with baseball.”
Looking Ahead: The Importance of Greene’s Health to Cincinnati’s Success
The Reds’ hopes for a competitive 2025 season largely hinge on Hunter Greene’s ability to stay healthy while performing at a high level. His combination of power pitching and leadership could propel the team into a stronger position in the National League.
If Greene can maintain his health and keep the stamina to pitch deep into games, the Cincinnati Reds could build on last year’s playoff appearance and aim to break their postseason drought, energizing both the club and its passionate fan base.
