The Cincinnati Reds lost their ace, Hunter Greene, to another elbow injury. Reds manager Terry Francona told radio play-by-play announcer Tommy Thrall (H/T Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19 Cincinnati) that there’s “probably a slim chance” that Greene pitches again in 2026.
The injury serves as devastating news for the Reds, who have been essentially without the right-hander all season. Greene has been one of the top starting pitchers in baseball when he’s healthy, but that’s been a challenge since his MLB debut in 2022.
Greene is currently seeking a second opinion from Dr. Neal ElAttrache after undergoing imaging of his elbow, per Mike Petraglia of CLNS Cincy. The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery as a prospect back in 2019. He’s fluctuated from 19 to 26 starts in his first four seasons in the Reds rotation.
For the 2026 season, the Reds will only get five starts from their ace. He had a 6.83 ERA with 33 strikeouts and nine walks across 27.2 innings.
Part of that decision could come down to where the club is in the standings. They are 55-58 on the season and sold at the trade deadline. The only players moved were first baseman Nathaniel Lowe and left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson.
What’s Next for the Reds and Hunter Greene?
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – JULY 10: Hunter Greene #21 of the Cincinnati Reds reacts after closing out the seventh inning of the game against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park on July 10, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated Chicago 4-0. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
The Reds have already had to piece together their rotation for most of the season without Hunter Greene. The right-hander still has two more seasons under contract, plus a club option for 2029.
The 27-year-old’s salary will jump to over $15 million for the 2027 season. For a team that fields the 11th-lowest Competitive Balance Tax payroll, it could force some decisions.
Trading Greene probably isn’t the best move for the Reds if the goal is to get a return beyond salary relief. So most likely, the club will hope for better health from the right-hander in 2027.
In Greene’s absence, Chase Burns has taken the next step. The 2024 first-rounder has a 2.35 ERA and 28.7% strikeout rate in 21 starts, earning his first All-Star selection. The Reds immediately locked him up to a seven-year, $105 million contract.
In 2027, the Reds’ ability to contend will rely mostly on the health of both Greene and Burns at the top of their rotation. They’ll also rely on Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder, and possibly Chase Petty as well to fill innings.
Considering most of their core will be intact, expect Cincinnati to try to run things back. But it will still take a lot of injury luck to make it to the postseason, like in 2025.
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