Hunter Greene's absence from the Cincinnati Reds' lineup due to arthroscopic surgery is set to shake things up significantly for the team. With Greene sidelined for the first three to four months of the 2026 season, the door swings wide open for several of the Reds' promising pitching prospects to make their mark in the big leagues sooner than anticipated.
The competition for the final spot in the Reds' starting rotation is heating up, with Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, and Brandon Williamson all vying to catch the coaching staff's attention. Each of these young pitchers is eager to prove they deserve a spot on the Reds' Opening Day roster.
However, some prospects have already been sent to Minor League camp, including right-handers Chase Petty and Julian Aguiar. Both are hungry for another shot at the majors, while Jose Franco is eagerly awaiting his chance to sport the Reds' iconic wishbone "C" for the first time.
Chase Petty, who made his major league debut last season, is particularly motivated to improve on a challenging start to his career. After a tough 2025 where he recorded a 19.50 ERA over just six innings, Petty is looking to bounce back.
He showed promise in his first two spring outings before being optioned to Triple-A and is expected to be a key figure in the Louisville Bats rotation. With the potential for injuries or underperformance in the Reds' rotation, Petty could find himself back in the majors sooner rather than later.
Julian Aguiar is another pitcher on the comeback trail after missing the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery. Having debuted in 2024, Aguiar struck out 19 batters over seven starts.
This season is crucial for the 24-year-old as he aims to regain his form. Despite needing more time in the minors, his progress in Cactus League play is a positive sign.
Jose Franco is one to watch closely. After a successful 2025 in the minors, where he posted a 3.11 ERA and 118 strikeouts over 110 innings, Franco is eager to show his skills at the major league level. Known for his strikeout ability, he must demonstrate he can control the base paths to secure his spot.
With Greene unavailable, one of Lowder, Burns, or Williamson will likely secure a spot on the Opening Day roster, reducing the hurdles for these young talents. Reds manager Terry Francona now has an added layer of security if injuries strike, giving these prospects a golden opportunity to shine and make a lasting impact.