GOODYEAR, AZ - The Cincinnati Reds are gearing up for a challenging season without their ace, Hunter Greene, but their ambitions for a division title and a strong October run remain unchanged.
The Reds have been in this position before, navigating seasons without Greene, and they seem better prepared than ever to handle his absence. Greene, who signed a six-year, $53 million deal in early 2023, will be sidelined for at least 14 to 16 weeks following elbow surgery to remove bone chips.
Veteran closer Emilio Pagán highlighted the team’s improved depth, saying, “If you just look around the room, we’ve got more depth compared to last year and 2024. The talent in the organization has risen, and we’ve got more guys healthy. Depth wins in this league, and our depth has gotten better.”
While Greene’s surgery is a significant setback, the Reds are no strangers to adversity. Last season, they secured their first playoff berth in a full season since 2013, even with Greene limited to 19 starts due to a lingering groin strain.
Andrew Abbott, a 2025 All-Star, is set to make his first Opening Day start and emphasized Greene’s irreplaceable value. “There’s no replacing a Hunter.
That needs to be emphasized. He’s our No.
- He’s our ace.
But we have the pieces to cover innings. I think they’re going to still be quality.”
This spring, the Reds welcomed back several key pitchers from injuries, including Brandon Williamson, Rhett Lowder, and Julian Aguiar. They also have Chase Burns, the 2024 No. 2 overall draft pick, who made a powerful debut with his 100 mph fastball.
Abbott, alongside Nick Lodolo and Brady Singer, forms a veteran trio expected to anchor the rotation. Pagán remains optimistic, “Our starting pitching is going to be a strength, even with Hunter out.”
Team president Nick Krall mentioned that Greene’s return could have the impact of a “trade-deadline acquisition.” The Reds are hopeful that his comeback will provide a significant boost, much like Blake Snell’s return did for the Dodgers in their World Series run.
Despite the setback, the Reds’ confidence is unwavering. Catcher Tyler Stephenson noted, “The expectations for the team and the season are still very high.
It hurts losing him for sure. But everybody’s going to step up.
We’re going to be fine.”
Greene’s past injuries have taught the Reds resilience. They managed a better record when he was on the injured list last season, and their lineup now includes 49-homer slugger Eugenio Suárez.
Nick Lodolo expressed confidence in the team’s depth, “I don’t think it changes at all the expectations in the room. We’re confident enough in the guys that we do have to go out there any of those five days to compete and get it done.”
Manager Terry Francona, in his second year with the Reds, emphasized the team’s mindset. “Just the way we feel about our group.
They’ll go compete. I haven’t seen anybody that remotely looks like they’re feeling sorry for themselves.”
The Reds are ready to face the season head-on, with a deep roster and a determined spirit, aiming to thrive until Greene’s anticipated return.