The Cincinnati Reds ace Hunter Greene has emerged as a potential trade candidate this winter.
The Cincinnati Reds enter the 2026 MLB season with expectations rising and questions swirling about how their roster will evolve. At the center of much of the speculation is right-hander Hunter Greene, the 26-year-old ace who has become both the face of the pitching staff and one of the most talked-about names in trade rumors this winter.
Greene’s journey with Cincinnati has been marked by both promise and perseverance. Drafted second overall in the 2017 MLB Draft out of Notre Dame High School, he arrived with the reputation of a flamethrower capable of redefining the franchise’s future.
Since making his debut in April 2022, Greene has steadily grown into the role of staff leader. His strikeout numbers have been elite, consistently averaging more than 10 per nine innings, and his back-to-back seasons with ERAs under 3.00 in 2024 and 2025 cemented his status as one of the National League’s most feared arms.
Even so, trade chatter has followed him throughout the offseason. Analysts have pointed to his age, contract control through 2028 with a club option for 2029, and his ability to headline blockbuster deals as reasons why rival clubs would covet him. Cincinnati, meanwhile, has been criticized for a quiet winter that left fans wondering if the front office might consider moving a star to address offensive shortcomings.
After weeks of speculation, a clearer picture has begun to emerge. “I don’t believe they’re necessarily inclined to trade Hunter Greene,” Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported this week, offering insight into how the Reds view their ace amid the noise.
That statement aligns with the organization’s public stance. The team has repeatedly emphasized Greene’s importance to their long-term plans, noting that his contract provides cost certainty and his performance offers stability atop the rotation. For a franchise that finally returned to the postseason in 2025, removing its most dominant pitcher would undercut the very foundation of its resurgence.
Greene’s presence also carries symbolic weight. He is not only the statistical leader of the staff but also a clubhouse figure who sets the tone for preparation and competitiveness. His ability to mentor younger pitchers while anchoring the rotation makes him more than just a trade chip.
As the season approaches, the Reds appear committed to keeping Greene in Cincinnati, betting that his continued growth and durability will be central to their push for sustained contention. Trade speculation may linger, but the message from the front office is clear: Greene remains a key part of the Reds’ future