Why the Reds Need Chase Petty to Take a Big Step Forward in 2026
Right now, the Cincinnati Reds find themselves in a position that most teams would envy: they’ve got more starting pitchers than rotation spots. It’s a good problem to have-until it isn’t. With a rotation that’s arguably the team’s biggest strength, Cincinnati could look to deal from that surplus in order to address some lingering issues on the offensive side of the ball.
That’s where the trade chatter around names like Brady Singer and Hunter Greene starts to make sense. If the Reds decide to move one of them-or any other arm for that matter-it would open up a spot in the rotation and potentially shift the team’s timeline. Even if no one is moved this winter, it’s clear that the Reds will need to tap into their pitching depth sooner rather than later.
And that’s where Chase Petty enters the conversation.
The Rotation Looks Strong-But There Are Cracks
On paper, the Reds’ rotation looks like a strength heading into 2026. But that doesn’t mean it’s bulletproof.
Injuries have been a recurring theme for key arms like Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. Cincinnati had to scramble last season, acquiring Zack Littell at the deadline just to keep the rotation intact down the stretch.
That kind of move doesn’t happen unless there’s real concern about durability.
Even if the group stays healthy in 2026-a big “if” in today’s game-there’s another looming issue: Brady Singer is set to hit free agency after the season. That means the Reds not only need to protect against short-term injury risk, but they also have to start thinking about who’s going to be part of this rotation two, three years down the line.
Chase Petty’s 2025 Was a Rough Ride
Petty, a 22-year-old right-hander, got his first taste of the big leagues in 2025, but it was more of a sip than a full serving. He was used sparingly-called up to start the second game of a doubleheader in April, given a spot start in May, and then brought back in June to eat some innings out of the bullpen. In total, he logged just six innings in the majors.
The results weren’t pretty. Petty gave up 13 earned runs on 14 hits and eight walks, striking out seven along the way.
That added up to a 19.50 ERA-a number that jumps off the page for all the wrong reasons. Sure, it’s a small sample, and inconsistency in usage can make it tough for a young pitcher to settle in.
But the struggles weren’t limited to the big-league level.
At Triple-A Louisville, Petty had a full season’s worth of innings (112⅔) to work with, and the results were still concerning. He posted a 6.39 ERA, walked too many batters (4.63 BB/9), and gave up home runs at a higher-than-ideal clip (1.36 HR/9). That followed a 2024 campaign in Double-A Chattanooga where he managed a 4.39 ERA-serviceable, but far from dominant for a top-10 organizational prospect.
Why Petty Matters to the Reds' Future
The Reds don’t need Petty to be an ace tomorrow. But they do need him to start showing signs that he can handle upper-level hitters and eventually take on a meaningful role in the big-league rotation.
As the team braces for potential departures-whether by trade, free agency, or injury-Petty’s development becomes more than just a storyline. It becomes a necessity.
Cincinnati has other arms in the pipeline, but Petty is one of the more prominent names in that group. If he can’t turn the corner in 2026, it could stall his career at the exact moment the Reds need young, controllable pitching the most. That’s the kind of setback that can ripple through a franchise’s long-term plans.
So while the Reds may look stacked on the mound right now, that depth can disappear quickly. If Petty can take a leap forward-refining his command, limiting the long ball, and showing he can compete at Triple-A and beyond-it would go a long way toward securing the future of this rotation.
The Reds don’t just want Chase Petty to take that step. They need him to.