The Cincinnati Reds are taking advantage of the current situation as Hunter Greene's performance has dipped following his return to the mound. Over the previous two seasons (2024 and 2025), Greene demonstrated elite-level talent by maintaining a 2.76 ERA and securing the sixth-best ranking among 78 pitchers who logged at least 250 innings. His performance put him in the company of top names such as Skenes, Skubal, Sale, Wheeler, and Yamamoto.
Greene accumulated a combined 6.0 bWAR in 2024 and 4.2 bWAR in 2025, earning a spot in the All-Star game and finishing eighth in the National League Cy Young voting. His limited opportunities that season, only 26 starts, affected his chances for the award.
Injuries and the Reds' Position
Greene's recent performance, with a 7.06 ERA in just four starts since returning from his second major elbow surgery, has made him a risky investment in the trade market. Nevertheless, the Reds are hearing interest from other teams due to his long-term potential.
Greene is under team control through 2029 at a cost that is relatively low. With the Reds currently at the bottom of the standings, acquiring him at a reduced price might be appealing to teams eyeing a high-upside arm, especially after Cincinnati committed $105 million to Chase Burns.
The Reds' management is facing a significant challenge in moving Greene. To part with him, they would likely need to acquire an elite prospect and a player who can immediately contribute at the major league level. This is a difficult proposition with key players such as Burns, Elly De La Cruz, and Andrew Abbott already occupying space on the roster.
Trading Greene would require a complete overhaul of the organization's minor league system and accepting a major contract in return. His potential is highly sought after, particularly by teams looking to boost their playoff chances or pivot to alternatives after missing out on top trade targets like Tarik Skubal.
Despite the ongoing rumors, the Reds are not in a hurry to move Greene at this point. Should he regain his top form in the remaining games of the season, the team may reassess his value in the trade market.
Looking to the future, the Reds have a promising farm system. They expect Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder, and Brandon Williamson to be part of their 2027 rotation. With potential free-agent additions and the release of contracts like those of Brady Singer and Eugenio Suarez, there is room to build a competitive team before Elly De La Cruz moves into the next phase of his career.
While the Reds are unlikely to trade Greene at the current moment due to his reduced value, they remain open to discussions. Their decision to wait or act will largely depend on how Greene performs in the final stretch of the season.