Reds ace Hunter Greene is hoping his offseason efforts to strengthen his lower body will result in a healthy and productive season. The 6-foot-5 right-hander boasts one of baseball's best fastballs, a nasty slider, and an improving split-finger fastball. However, keeping him on the mound has been a challenge.
Last year, Greene went 7-4 with a 2.76 ERA, contributing to the Reds earning an NL wild card for their first playoff appearance since 2020. Yet, he was limited to a career-low 19 starts and 107 2/3 innings, missing significant time due to a right groin strain. Despite this setback, Greene remains optimistic about his potential impact on the team.
The 26-year-old, selected by Cincinnati with the No. 2 pick in the 2017 amateur draft, underwent Tommy John surgery during his minor league days. He made his rotation debut in spring training 2022 and had his best season in 2024, earning an NL All-Star spot with a 9-5 record and a 2.75 ERA in 26 starts. However, he also spent time on the injured list due to elbow soreness.
Greene's focus on strengthening his lower body is a strategic move to enhance his durability and performance. He aims to reach a high number of innings, strike out batters, and stay healthy throughout the season. The Reds' rotation is deep, featuring All-Star left-hander Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, and Brady Singer. Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns, both former first-round picks from Wake Forest University, are contenders for the fifth spot.
A healthy Greene elevates the team's performance, and he believes in the collective strength of the rotation. He describes the potential of the Cincinnati rotation as 'through the roof,' emphasizing the strong relationships and accountability among team members. Greene's postseason experience includes a taste of the NL Wild Card Series, where the Reds were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is eager to contribute to the team's success and bring a long-awaited October run to the city of Cincinnati.
The Reds have not won a playoff game since 2012 and have not advanced in the postseason since 1995. Greene acknowledges the significance of a long October run for the city, given its rich baseball history and the team's passionate fan base.
