Francona Dismisses Hunter Greene Trade Speculation

In a recent statement, Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona addressed speculation regarding the potential trade of starting pitcher Hunter Greene. Appearing on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast, Francona emphasized that he does not foresee a trade occurring. He stated, “I don’t think those things are gonna (happen)…pitching is too hard for us to acquire through free agency…we gotta keep Hunter on the mound.”

Reds’ Commitment to Pitching Stability

Francona’s comments align with those of Nick Krall, the Reds’ president of baseball operations, who previously expressed confidence in Cincinnati’s pitching staff. The Reds currently boast a strong starting rotation, with Greene at the forefront. Their starters ranked sixth in the National League in ERA and third in strikeouts last season.

Hunter Greene’s Performance Improvements

Hunter Greene faced some challenges last season, including a recurring groin injury. However, when healthy, he delivered impressive performances. He achieved career-best statistics, including:

• xFIP: 3.27
• SIERA: 3.06
• Average fastball velocity: 99.5 mph

This represented a notable increase of 1.9 mph compared to the previous year.

Command and Strikeout Rates

Greene showed significant improvement in his command. His strike rate reached 68.6%, while his walk rate dropped to a career-low 6.2%. These statistics mark a substantial change for Greene, who had not previously recorded a strike rate above 65% or a walk rate below 9% in any season.

Quality Starts and Future Outlook

Greene notched 11 quality starts out of 19 appearances last season, a marked improvement compared to his 13 quality starts in 2024, which required 26 outings. If the Reds were to entertain trade offers for Greene, he would certainly command a significant return.

Contract Details

At 27 years old, Greene signed a six-year, $53 million extension in 2023. This deal includes a $21 million team option for 2029, ensuring affordability in the later years of the contract.

Depth in the Reds’ Pitching Rotation

The Reds have a promising group of starting pitchers beyond Greene. The rotation includes:

• Andrew Abbott
• Chase Burns
• Nick Lodolo (not free agent until 2028)
• Rhett Lowder
• Julian Aguiar

Brady Singer, another key member of the pitching staff, is the only mainstay nearing free agency, as he’s in his final arbitration year. With this depth, the Reds can maintain their pitching strength for the foreseeable future.

In conclusion, both Francona and Krall signal a clear intent to retain Hunter Greene, fostering a stable pitching environment within the organization.