Terry Francona Doesn’t Anticipate Reds trading Hunter Greene
CINCINNATI – Cleveland guardians manager Terry Francona stated he does not foresee the Cincinnati Reds trading starting pitcher Hunter Greene this offseason, despite speculation surrounding potential moves. Francona, speaking on a recent broadcast, highlighted Greene’s progress and value to the Reds institution.
The 27-year-old Greene experienced a breakout 2025 season, with his fastball averaging 99.5 mph – a 1.9 mph increase from 2024. He ranked fourth among pitchers with at least 100 innings pitched in swinging-strike rate and sixth in K-BB%. A notable betterment in command saw Greene post a 68.6% strike rate and a career-low 6.2% walk rate, a marked change from previous seasons were his strike rate never exceeded 65% and walk rate remained above 9%. This enhanced control contributed to lower pitch counts and deeper outings, resulting in 11 quality starts in 19 appearances.
The Reds signed Greene to a six-year, $53MM extension in 2023, which includes a $21MM team option for 2029. While his annual salary will increase over the next three seasons, the contract remains affordable, even with the option year considered.
Tho, Cincinnati boasts a promising and controllable pitching staff beyond Greene, including Andrew Abbott and Chase Burns, who have yet to reach arbitration, and Nick Lodolo, who is under contract through 2028. younger pitchers Rhett Lowder and Julian Aguiar each have only one year of MLB service time, while Brady singer is the only current mainstay nearing free agency as he enters his final year of arbitration. This depth suggests the Reds have the flexibility to retain a strong rotation for the foreseeable future.