Greene has the talent to reach the top of the game, according to one MLB analyst.
The Cincinnati Reds finished the 2025 season with an 83-79 record, good enough for third place in the National League Central and a Wild Card berth.
While the Reds were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round of the playoffs, there is reason to believe the team is headed in the right direction.
A big part of that optimism comes from starting pitcher Hunter Greene, who has shown flashes of being one of the best arms in baseball when healthy.
Darling's Bold Prediction
During a recent appearance on MLB Network, analyst Ron Darling made a statement that turned heads across the league when discussing Greene's future.
"There's a chance that he could be the best pitcher in the game if he's injury-free next year," Darling said.
It is a lofty prediction, but one that makes sense when you look at what Greene has done when he has been on the mound.
The 26-year-old right-hander posted a 2.76 ERA with a 0.94 WHIP and 132 strikeouts over 107.2 innings in 2025, building on his breakout 2024 campaign where he earned his first All-Star nod.
His fastball regularly touches triple digits, and his slider has become one of the nastier pitches in the league, making him a nightmare for opposing hitters when everything is clicking.
Injury Troubles in 2025
The problem for Greene has been staying healthy enough to show what he can do over a full season.
In 2025, he missed significant time due to a groin injury that sidelined him twice, keeping him off the mound for more than two months combined.
He was limited to just 19 starts after making 26 the year before, and the time away clearly affected his rhythm at times.
Greene also dealt with back issues earlier in the season, adding to an injury history that includes Tommy John surgery back in 2019.
When he was healthy, though, Greene was dominant.
After returning from the injured list in early August, he posted a 2.81 ERA with a 59:12 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his final 48 regular-season innings, showing that the stuff was still there when his body cooperated.
His September was particularly impressive as he threw a complete-game shutout against the Chicago Cubs and helped keep the Reds in the playoff race down the stretch.
Why 2026 Could Be Different
If Greene can stay on the field for a full season in 2026, Darling's prediction might not be as far-fetched as it sounds.
He has already shown the ability to dominate at the highest level and at just 26 years old, he is entering what should be the prime of his career.
The Reds have made it clear they are building around Greene and young stars like Elly De La Cruz, with manager Terry Francona shutting down any trade rumors at the Winter Meetings by saying the team would not move him unless another organization offered their entire roster in return.
With a healthy offseason behind him and a team that believes in his potential, Greene has every reason to take the next step in 2026.
Whether he becomes the best pitcher in baseball remains to be seen, but the talent and the opportunity are both there for the Cincinnati ace.