Reds FeedHunter Greene
P · Age 27 · Bats Right · Throws Right
Where things stand
Hunter Greene underwent Tommy John surgery in August and will miss the entire 2027 season, significantly impacting Cincinnati's rotation plans. The Reds face a pitching depth crisis with Greene sidelined and Brady Singer expected to leave in free agency, leaving them reliant on Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo as established starters. The team is exploring options like veteran Sonny Gray on a one-year deal to fill rotation gaps while Greene recovers. Owner Bob Castellini previously blocked trades involving Greene, indicating the organization still views him as a cornerstone piece despite the injury setback.
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2026 season
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Hunter Greene coverage
Reds could make a costly mistake by chasing buy low trades
The Cincinnati Reds face a difficult offseason situation as they shift toward acquiring contact hitters and well-rounded players. Key roster members like Ke'Bryan Hayes, Matt McLain, Nick Lodolo, and Hunter Greene all had poor 2026 seasons, making it risky to trade them away at low value. General Manager Nick Krall has had success with low-cost free agent signings like Nathaniel Lowe and JJ Bleday, but the team lacks the financial resources and prospect depth to make major moves in free agency or trades. The Reds may be better served allowing their current players to recover and rebuild their value rather than pursuing aggressive roster changes.
Blog Red Machine4 Dodgers players the Reds could target after LA's stunning playoff exit
The Milwaukee Brewers swept the Dodgers in the NLCS, but Los Angeles has several players who could interest other teams during the offseason. Left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic, acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline after missing most of 2026 with injury, will enter free agency and could serve as a stopgap option for Cincinnati while Hunter Greene recovers from Tommy John surgery. Outfielder Alex Call, a 32-year-old who excels against left-handed pitching with an .827 OPS this season, could fill the Reds' need for platoon players. Relief pitcher Evan Phillips, who posted a 31.1% strikeout rate in 26 innings despite recent forearm injuries, will also be available as a free agent and could add depth to Cincinnati's bullpen.
Blog Red MachineSonny Gray’s plans give the Reds an exciting rotation opportunity (but there's a catch)
The Cincinnati Reds need starting pitching depth with Hunter Greene out for 2027 and Brady Singer in free agency, leaving only Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo as established starters. Sonny Gray, who recently confirmed he wants to pitch in 2027 after considering retirement, could be an option on a one-year deal; the 36-year-old posted a 2.72 ERA over 29 starts this season. However, Gray has expressed discomfort pitching in major markets like New York and Boston, which limits his options if he prioritizes winning, potentially making Cincinnati a viable destination if other contenders pass.
Blog Red MachineRed Sox pressure to trade Jarren Duran could tempt the Reds into a blockbuster gamble
The Cincinnati Reds could pursue Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran this offseason, as Boston may be motivated to trade him due to his expected $11.1 million arbitration salary for 2027. Duran struggled in 2026 with a .207 batting average and 69 wRC+, but had performed well in his previous three seasons with a .276 average and 123 wRC+. The Reds face financial constraints and would need a mutually beneficial deal that clears payroll, as they've had poor results with recent expensive signings like Eugenio Suárez. Cincinnati's pitching situation is complicated by starter Hunter Greene's Tommy John surgery that will sideline him for all of 2027, creating tension between Greene and the team's front office.
Blog Red MachineReds could solve a bullpen problem with former Braves lefty who just hit free agency
The Cincinnati Reds face a shortage of left-handed relievers after trading Caleb Ferguson and designating Sam Moll for assignment, leaving them with none on their 40-man roster if they don't re-sign Brock Burke. Bailey Falter, a 29-year-old left-hander who just became a free agent after playing for the Atlanta Braves, could address this need as an inexpensive option. Falter struggled early in 2026 with Kansas City but improved significantly in Triple-A Gwinnett, posting a 4.44 ERA over 54 games from 2024-2025 and offering versatility as both a reliever and occasional starter. The Reds also face pitching depth concerns with Hunter Greene undergoing Tommy John surgery and Brady Singer expected to leave in free agency.
Blog Red MachineReds could steal Padres pitching coach with familiar Terry Francona link
The Cincinnati Reds are seeking a new pitching coach after Derek Johnson's departure, with their young arms like Hunter Greene and Andrew Abbott underperforming to produce the third-worst ERA in baseball in 2026. Ruben Niebla, the San Diego Padres' pitching coach who previously worked under Terry Francona in Cleveland, is a potential target, though he remains under contract with San Diego through 2027. Alternatively, Padres bullpen coach Ben Fritz could be promoted to the role after seven years developing one of the league's best bullpens, giving him the chance to work with Cincinnati's talented young pitchers under Francona's management.
Blog Red MachineIt’s official – the Cincinnati Reds are running it back in 2027
The Cincinnati Reds ownership confirmed that general manager Nick Krall and the front office will remain in place for 2027 despite a disappointing 2026 season. Pitching director Derek Johnson will depart his role after being on leave since June, but the same decision-makers will handle his replacement. The team enters the offseason with limited trade assets, as several young players like Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Hunter Greene experienced setbacks or injuries that diminished their value. With only modest free-agent spending power available, the front office faces pressure to find value in a thin market after years of struggles in player acquisitions.
Red ReporterREVEALED: CINCINNATI REDS 2026 Collapse—Did Terry Francona’s DECISIONS Make Or Break The Team? | Cincinnati Reds Podcast
The Cincinnati Reds finished 2026 with a disappointing 75-87 record, and the episode examines whether manager Terry Francona's decisions contributed to the collapse. Despite bright spots like Elly De La Cruz's 30-30 season, Sal Stewart's rookie success, and Chase Burns' emergence as an ace, the team struggled with offensive inconsistency, rotation injuries to Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo, and bullpen fatigue, while Francona faced criticism for his reluctance to adjust lineups and his reliance on underperforming veterans. The host grades Francona's 2026 performance a C and questions whether he can adapt his managing style to maximize young talent like Noelvi Marte and Matt McLain heading into 2027.
Locked On RedsThe Cincinnati Reds can lose no more in 2026
The Cincinnati Reds finished their disappointing 2026 season with a 5-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on the final day, ending with a 75-87 record and last place in the NL Central. Max Scherzer pitched effectively for Toronto, striking out 7 batters while potentially throwing one of his final games. The Reds' season was marked by struggles across pitching, offense, and defense, with Sal Stewart's late-season slump costing him the league RBI lead and likely the Rookie of the Year award. Elly De La Cruz achieved 30-30 status and will enter arbitration after his best season, while Hunter Greene missed nearly the entire year due to injury.
Red Reporter5 Reds players who definitely won't be back and 3 who could surprisingly return in 2027
The Cincinnati Reds face roster decisions heading into 2027, with five players unlikely to return. Pitcher Pierce Johnson's club option won't be exercised after posting negative fWAR and an ERA near 5.00, while Ivan Johnson will be released following the acquisitions of Juan Brito and Oswaldo Cabrera. Michael Toglia failed to capitalize on his call-up and suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, while pitchers Zach Maxwell and Connor Phillips both struggled with command issues and are unlikely to survive the offseason cuts. The team could surprisingly bring back starter Brady Singer on a short-term deal below $15 million annually, as they lose Hunter Greene and need rotation depth.
Blog Red MachineOffseason Outlook: Cincinnati Reds
The Reds finished last in the NL Central after a disappointing season that saw their rotation underperform and their lineup rank among baseball's worst. Hunter Greene underwent Tommy John surgery in August that will likely sideline him for all of 2027, complicating the team's plans to contend next season. Cincinnati made minimal moves at the deadline and retained most of its roster, with president of baseball operations Nick Krall stating the organization doesn't need a full rebuild and expects to return to contention in 2027. Manager Terry Francona is expected back for his third season, and ownership has indicated no significant leadership changes are anticipated.
MLB Trade RumorsScathing Reds' report lets Nick Krall off the hook (but can't absolve him completely)
The Athletic reported that Cincinnati Reds owner Bob Castellini and President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall had a tense meeting earlier this season, where Castellini questioned why the team couldn't sustain success like the Milwaukee Brewers. Krall reportedly presented a list of trades he wanted to make to build a young talent base, but Castellini rejected proposals that would have involved trading established players like Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. While the report suggests Castellini blocked potentially beneficial trades, Krall remains responsible for questionable deals he did complete, including acquiring Ke'Bryan Hayes for prospect Sammy Stafura and trading Luis Castillo for a package that included Edwin Arroyo and Noelvi Marte.
Blog Red MachineBrandon Williamson has one more chance to reshape the Reds' 2027 plans
Brandon Williamson pitched six scoreless innings against Atlanta on Tuesday, allowing just three hits while inducing seven ground ball outs in his best start of the season. With Chase Burns sidelined by a groin strain, Williamson will make the Reds' final start of 2026 against Toronto on Sunday, and a strong performance could secure him a spot in Cincinnati's 2027 rotation. The Reds face significant rotation uncertainty heading into next season, as Hunter Greene will miss the year following Tommy John surgery and Brady Singer enters free agency. Williamson, who missed time earlier this year with shoulder fatigue, has posted a 3.32 ERA over 20 innings this month and could become a key piece alongside Lodolo, Burns, and Abbott.
Blog Red Machine3 bad contract swaps Reds should pursue once the 2026 season ends
The Cincinnati Reds face difficult decisions regarding Hunter Greene and Ke'Bryan Hayes, both of whom carry problematic contracts into 2027. Greene will miss next season due to Tommy John surgery and has $15.3 million remaining on his deal through 2029, while Hayes has $29 million left on his contract but has been unproductive. The article proposes that the Reds pursue "bad contract" swaps with other teams to address these issues, starting with a potential deal involving Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy, who has $30 million remaining through 2028 and has struggled with injuries and performance in recent seasons.
Blog Red MachineNick Lodolo could make or break the Reds’ 2027 rotation plans
The Cincinnati Reds face significant rotation challenges heading into 2027, with Hunter Greene sidelined for the entire season following Tommy John surgery and Brady Singer likely departing in free agency. Nick Lodolo, entering the final year of his team control, has become crucial to Cincinnati's pitching plans as the projected number-two starter behind Chase Burns. Lodolo has struggled since returning from a blister injury, posting a 6.09 ERA over seven starts with a concerning 9.7% walk rate, well above his career 6.7% average. The Reds are counting on Lodolo to return to his 2022 and 2025 form, when he combined for a 3.46 ERA and 287 strikeouts across 260 innings.
Blog Red Machine4 bold offseason moves Nick Krall must make to justify the Reds keeping him around
Nick Krall will remain as Cincinnati Reds president of baseball operations for 2027 despite the team's poor performance this season. The article identifies four moves Krall should make to justify keeping his job, starting with trading Hunter Greene to remove his $15.3 million 2027 salary from the payroll. The Reds should also trade prospects like Steele Hall, Tyson Lewis, Liberts Aponte, or Jirvin Morillo to acquire an established starting pitcher, as their current rotation beyond Chase Burns contains several question marks.
Blog Red MachineReds' unheralded midseason pickup could be the key to an Edwin Arroyo trade
The Cincinnati Reds acquired infielder Juan Brito off waivers from Cleveland in August, and after being called up two weeks ago, he has performed impressively with a .348 batting average, two home runs, and eight RBIs in eight games. Meanwhile, former top prospect Edwin Arroyo has struggled in two separate stints with the team, posting a .244 average in June and a .059 average during a September callup. Brito's strong play could prompt the Reds to trade Arroyo during the offseason, potentially acquiring pitching help for a rotation weakened by Hunter Greene's Tommy John surgery and Brady Singer's pending free agency. The Reds could use Brito as a backup option alongside Matt McLain at second base in 2027.
Blog Red MachineReds need Rhett Lowder to fix one glaring problem this offseason
The Cincinnati Reds face significant rotation gaps heading into the offseason with Hunter Greene sidelined for 2027 and Brady Singer entering free agency, leaving only Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo as established starters. Rhett Lowder is expected to fill a rotation spot, but recent performances against the Dodgers and Brewers have exposed a critical weakness: he ranks in the bottom 10% of the league with an 18.6% whiff rate and generates chase rates of just 26.9%. Lowder's sinker is functional but his secondary pitches, particularly his slider and changeup, are underperforming, though his slider shows promise with a 31.7% whiff rate when effective. The article suggests that improving his slider's consistency could be key to Lowder becoming a viable rotation option for Cincinnati.
Blog Red MachineBrewers and Rays expose Reds’ tired small-market excuse with Nick Krall coming back
The Cincinnati Reds will retain President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall despite widespread calls for front office changes, but the team's small-market financial constraints argument has been undermined by the success of the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers, who both clinched playoff spots this season. The Rays operate with a payroll of $107 million while the Brewers spend $145.5 million, compared to Cincinnati's $133 million, yet both teams have outperformed the Reds through strategic asset management and bold trades. The Reds have generated most of their production from three young players earning a combined $2.3 million, leaving questions about how the remaining $130 million in payroll has been spent. The Brewers and Rays distinguish themselves through proactive trades—such as dealing away expensive veterans before their contracts become burdensome and pursuing impact players like Tarik Skubal—while the Reds have made questionable decisions like acquiring Ke'Bryan Hayes and retaining Hunter Greene despite his
Blog Red MachineBrandon Williamson must fix one issue to stay in the Reds rotation plans
Brandon Williamson must improve his control to remain in the Cincinnati Reds' rotation plans for 2027. The 28-year-old left-hander has struggled with command this season, walking 20 batters before a four-month shoulder injury and continuing to issue walks at a high rate since returning in early September, with seven walks in 9⅔ innings across two appearances. His strike rate of 58% before the injury and 63% since returning both fall short of the league average of 64-65%, and his career 19% strikeout rate makes frequent walks particularly problematic for a starter. With Hunter Greene undergoing Tommy John surgery and Brady Singer potentially leaving in free agency, a rotation spot should be available, but Williamson will need to demonstrate better command to secure it.
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