As the Cincinnati Reds gear up for the 2026 season during spring training, there's a growing buzz around their starting pitching rotation. Leading the charge is Hunter Greene, and the depth of this lineup has caught the eye of former player turned analyst, Jim Duquette.
Speaking on MLB Network Radio, Duquette expressed his enthusiasm for the Reds, boldly claiming their rotation ranks among the top three in the National League. Alongside Greene, the rotation features talents like Andrew Abbot, Brady Singer, Nick Lodolo, Chase Burns, Brandon Williamson, and Rhett Lowder.
Duquette didn't hold back, comparing the Reds favorably to other NL teams. “They're better than the Brewers' rotation, especially without Freddy Peralta, and they surpass the Cubs,” he noted.
“The Phillies are in the mix if Zack Wheeler stays healthy, but with Ranger Suarez out and uncertainty in the back end, they lack the depth the Reds possess. The competition for the fifth spot between Burns and Lowder highlights their quality depth.”
Under the guidance of manager Terry Francona, the Reds are poised to make waves in 2026, with their rotation leading the charge. Duquette believes that Cincinnati could potentially outpace the Phillies, depending on their performance.
“Looking at the top teams in the National League, the Reds are easily in the top three, maybe even top two,” Duquette stated. “The Phillies might have a slight edge if everything goes their way, but if Wheeler falters, the Reds could surpass them this year.”
After finishing the previous season with an 83-79 record and a third-place finish in the NL Central, only to be ousted by the Dodgers in the wild card round, the Reds are hungry for improvement. Their promising rotation might just be the key to a breakthrough season.
Greene. Abbott. Singer. Lodolo. Burns 🔥
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) February 18, 2026
“I think the #Reds rotation is Top 3 in the National League.”
🔗 https://t.co/fGPbvbj8w4 pic.twitter.com/xYeI2ikNRs