Hunter Greene has been waiting for this moment since the day he first put on a baseball uniform.
Personal accolades and individual milestones no longer matter. His two-month stint on the injured list may have derailed any Cy Young Award hopes, but Greene isn’t focused on awards — he’s focused on the Cincinnati Reds’ playoff dreams.
This is his time to shine.
Greene is ready to embrace the pressure, meet the expectations head-on, and carry the Reds on his shoulders as they fight for a postseason berth.
Reds Face Critical Homestand in Playoff Race
Starting Friday, the Cincinnati Reds embark on their most important homestand of the season. They’ll face the St. St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, and the New York Mets — the key opponents standing between the Reds and a National League wild-card spotI fully embrace the role I’m in,” Hunter Greene told USA TODAY Sports. “This opportunity means the world to me.
We put in the work every single day for moments like this. When I signed my six-year, $53 million extension in 2023, I made a commitment to myself and the entire organization to help lead this team as far as we can go.
With the Reds trailing the Mets by four games and holding the toughest remaining schedule of any playoff contender, a dominant homestand is essential to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Now it’s about embracing that role and doing everything I can to make it happen.”
Greene’s Performance Could Be the Difference
So far, Hunter Greene has delivered. The Reds’ ace boasts a 2.81 ERA with 94 strikeouts across 77 innings, proving he has the talent to anchor the rotation during this playoff push.
The Cincinnati Reds haven’t appeared in the postseason during a full MLB season since 2013 — more than a decade ago Back then, Greene was just a ninth grader, and Aroldis Chapman, now the only remaining active player from that roster, was closing games for Cincinnati.
With history, talent, and the weight of Reds fans’ hopes on his shoulders, Hunter Greene is determined to make 2025 the year Cincinnati returns to October baseball.
The Cincinnati Reds find themselves in familiar territory — built around a dominant starting rotation but struggling with offensive production. Entering Wednesday, the Reds’ starters ranked fourth in the National League with a 3.79 ERA and a 13.7 cumulative WAR, second only to the Philadelphia Phillies.
The problem?
Run support. The Reds have scored one run or fewer in 29 games this season and are just 3-48 when trailing after six innings. It’s no surprise the team would love to add a free-agent power bat like Kyle Schwarber or Pete Alonso this offseason. Just one big slugger could transform their entire lineup.
For now, though, the Reds have no choice but to rely on their pitching — especially ace Hunter Greene.
Hunter Greene Returns as Reds’ Rotation Leader
Greene has posted a 5-4 record with a 2.81 ERA, striking out 94 hitters while walking just 16 across 77 innings this season. After missing two months with a strained groin, he’s returned stronger than ever, striking out 21 batters with only two walks in 17 innings since his comeback.
Reds reliever Brent Suter summed it up perfectly:
“He could be the best post-trade deadline addition in the league. Hunter is just a special player — electric stuff and a bulldog mentality. When he’s on the mound, we know it’s going to be a good day.”
With Greene leading the rotation and Chase Burns expected back from the injured list soon, the Reds’ pitching staff could be even stronger down the stretch.
A Fresh Arm for the Playoff Push
Reds infielder Gavin Lux believes the team could surprise opponents in October:
“Nobody’s going to want to face us if we make the postseason, not with our pitching. We’re a young team with nothing to lose, and Hunter Greene is coming in fresh after a few months of rest When he’s healthy, he’s as good as anyone in baseball.”
With a 6.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his first 13 starts, Hunter Greene set a new benchmark in Cincinnati Reds franchise history. He still dreams of becoming a 20-game winner and joining the prestigious Black Aces, last achieved by Hall of Famer CC Sabathia, one of Greene’s idols.
As the offense struggles to find consistency,
the Cincinnati Reds will rely on their ace pitcher and dominant starting rotation to keep their playoff hopes alive
He’s the ace of our staff,” says Reds starter Nick Martinez. “Every time he takes the mound, you know he’s going to make a statement and give us a real chance to win.
He wants the team to count on him, and that makes him even better. He’s a key piece not only for getting us into the playoffs but for helping us make a deep run.”Hunter
Hunter Greene began the season looking like a legitimate Cy Young contender.
Through his first four starts, he posted a stunning 0.99 ERA with 31 strikeouts and just four walks. At 4-2 with a 2.53 ERA and holding opponents to a .174 batting average, he was dominating before a groin injury sidelined him.Hunter
After three shortened innings in his next start and a brief return, Greene ultimately spent two months on the injured list.
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He was delivering incredible stats, striking out hitters left and right,” said Reds reliever Brent Suter.“It felt like he was right in the Cy Young race — maybe even the favorite. It was tough seeing him get hurt, but he still has a chance to turn this into a great season. We’re going to lean on him big time.”
Reds infielder Matt McLain says, ‘It’s no secret how talented he is.’ Having him back in the rotation right now is huge. He’s a competitor, a true ace, and getting him for the playoff push is massive.”
A Healthy Greene Ready for September
Greene is back, healthy, and ready for a September to remember.Hunter
“Obviously, I can’t control the past,” Greene says. “Right now, I just want to keep us in the best position possible. Credit to my teammates for keeping the fight alive while I was out.
With 28 games left and a 68-66 record, the Reds know their playoff hopes depend on their own performance — not on what the Mets, Padres, or Cubs are doing.
Manager Terry Francona put it best:
“The games in April aren’t always glamorous. It’s cold, it’s early. But the teams that survive those rough starts and give themselves a chance late in the season? That’s when it gets fun. We didn’t start hot, but we didn’t bury ourselves either.”
Reds’ Playoff Push Could Come Down to Pitching
Reds outfielder Austin Hays believes Greene could be the difference-maker:
Last year with the Phillies, I watched Zack Wheeler dominate in September. Hunter’s been pitching the same way since he returned. If we can just get into the postseason, with our rotation and defense, anything is possible. We’ve all seen it happen before.”
