GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Cincinnati Reds recognize the advantage Hunter Greene brings to the mound with his powerful fastball, sharp slider, and developing split-finger fastball. However, maintaining his presence throughout the season has been a persistent challenge. As Greene enters his fifth MLB season, he has intensified lower-body strengthening during the offseason, aiming to enhance his durability and ultimately shape the Reds’ success this year.
Offseason Goals Target Increased Health and Consistency
Greene highlighted the importance of longevity this season, setting personal targets beyond traditional pitching metrics.
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’s focus is less on numbers alone and more on sustaining availability for his team throughout the year.
Past Injuries Have Limited Greene’s Impact
Last season, Greene finished with a 7-4 record and a solid 2.76 ERA, playing a key role in helping Cincinnati capture an NL wild card spot—their first playoff berth since 2020. Still, his time on the mound was limited. He made a career-low 19 starts and pitched 107 2/3 innings due to a recurring right groin strain. After initially being sidelined on May 9, Greene briefly returned before the injury recurred, delaying his comeback until mid-August.
Reds’ Rotation Bolstered But Greene Remains Central
Cincinnati’s pitching staff boasts depth with promising arms like Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, and Brady Singer. Meanwhile, former Wake Forest first-round selections Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns are contenders for the rotation’s fifth spot. Despite this, having a fully healthy Greene elevates the entire group’s potential, enhancing the rotation’s overall competitiveness.
Team Confidence in Greene’s Physical Readiness
Manager Terry Francona expressed optimism about Greene’s conditioning, emphasizing the squad’s dedication to preparation.
He looks good, he’s in good shape,
Francona said.
These guys, they work really hard, they get after it pretty good.
From Top Prospect to Established Starter
Selected second overall in the 2017 amateur draft, the 26-year-old right-hander overcame Tommy John surgery early in his career. He secured a rotation spot in spring training 2022 and has since continued to develop. In 2024, Greene earned his first All-Star selection, closing the season 9-5 with a 2.75 ERA and tallying 169 strikeouts over 150 1/3 innings, despite battling elbow soreness that led to IL stints.
Physical Demands Drive Greene’s Preparation
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 230 pounds, Greene recognizes the strain his body endures each outing.
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,
he acknowledged.
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.
Strong Team Dynamics Boosting Performance
Greene praised the strength of Cincinnati’s pitching relationships, crediting mutual accountability for improved results.
Our relationships are strong and there’s an accountability factor too with all of us,
he said.
I think that helps with the production on the team.
Playoff Debut Highlights Experience and Room for Growth
During a postseason in which Cincinnati was swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Wild Card Series, Greene made his first playoff start, pitching three innings while giving up five runs and six hits. This experience added perspective on what postseason success entails for both him and the franchise.
Long-Term Commitment and High Expectations
Having signed a six-year, $53 million contract with the Reds in April 2023, Greene has grown familiar with the city and its baseball culture. With the Reds’ last playoff victory dating back to 2012 and no advancement past the postseason since 1995, a deep October run would carry significant meaning.
I think it’d be very special,
Greene reflected.
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.
Outlook Hinges on Greene’s Health and Leadership
As the Reds head into a new campaign, Hunter Greene’s ability to maintain health and extend his outings will be critical to Cincinnati’s hopes for sustained playoff contention. His offseason focus on strengthening could be the catalyst enabling the right-hander to lock in consistent performance and help energize a promising pitching staff.
