Hunter Greene recently commented on the Reds' rotation.
Cincinnati Reds star Hunter Greene is currently preparing to lead the team's rotation in 2026. Cincinnati's starting rotation could be among the best in baseball this year. Greene recently commented on the pitching staff, via the Reds.
"I think what's exciting is being able to all come together and have that collective unit," Greene said. "Obviously, we've all dedicated our lives to the sport, so there's a lot of pride and work that's gone into it."
Greene is set to be joined by Andrew Abbott, Brady Singer and Nick Lodolo in the rotation. The No. 5 spot has a couple of candidates, and regardless of who earns the role, the rotation's ceiling is high to say the least.
Greene is the ace without question. He is going to lead the ball club.
Hunter Greene's 2026 Outlook
Greene, 26, has had back-to-back impressive seasons. He recorded a 2.75 ERA and 169 strikeouts in 2024. In 2025, he was limited to 19 starts, but the right-handed pitcher still finished the season with a 2.76 ERA.
There were high expectations for Greene when he entered the league. His first two years -- 2022 and 2023 -- did not go according to plan, though. He finished with ERAs in the 4's in both seasons.
He clearly figured something out in 2024, however. Now, he looks like one of the best starting pitchers in all of baseball. He was an All-Star in 2024, and he also finished eighth in National League Cy Young voting. Greene was limited in 2025 and did not earn an All-Star selection or a Cy Young vote, but he still performed well while on the mound.
Greene will likely have another big season in 2026 if he can stay healthy. It would not be surprising to see him take another step forward. At 26 years old, Greene is in his prime and may be on the verge of seriously competing for the NL Cy Young Award. Paul Skenes is the best starter in the NL and pitchers such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Chris Sale will probably be in the NL Cy Young conversation as well, but Greene may challenge them this season.
And, as mentioned, he will have plenty of help in the starting rotation. Cincinnati will contend in 2026 if its rotation performs up to expectations. It will need to get the job done, as the Reds' lineup features uncertainty.