The Cincinnati Reds' starting pitching rotation is shaping up, but with a few key questions lingering as pitchers and catchers have reported to Goodyear! It's that exciting time of year when we get to analyze the arms that will take the mound for our beloved Reds. But how solid is this group, really? Let's dive in.
First up, we have Hunter Greene, a pitcher who's already in his 5th MLB season at the young age of 25. In his last two seasons, he's posted a very respectable ERA of 2.75. However, and this is where things get a bit concerning, he's only managed 45 starts and 256 innings pitched over that span. His 2025 season was unfortunately hampered by two stints on the injured list for groin issues, causing him to miss 13 and 59 games respectively. This raises a significant question: can Greene stay on the mound consistently enough to be the ace the Reds envision?
Then there's Brady Singer, who is arguably the most consistent and reliable arm in the rotation. He's consistently taken the ball, with 32 starts in his last season and a total of 169.2 innings pitched, holding a 4.03 ERA. Looking at his last five years, his start counts have been remarkably stable: 27, 27, 29, 32, and 32 starts. This kind of dependability is gold for any team.
Next, we have Nick Lodolo, a left-handed pitcher who is also in his 5th MLB season at 28 years old. His 2025 season was his best yet, with a career-high of 28 starts, 156.2 innings pitched, and an impressive 3.33 ERA. He also managed 2 complete games and 1 shutout. However, like Greene, he faced some injury woes, specifically a blister that limited him to just 20 games. Can Lodolo build on his success and avoid the injury bug?
Rounding out the projected starters is Andrew Abbott, another lefty, now in his 4th MLB season. Abbott has already earned an All-Star nod and, despite missing the first two weeks of the season, achieved a career-high of 29 starts and a 2.87 ERA in 166.1 innings. His performance was a tale of two halves: a stellar 8-1 record with a 2.39 ERA in the first half, followed by a less dominant 2-6 record with a 3.43 ERA in the second half. This inconsistency in the latter part of the season is something to monitor.
But here's where it gets controversial: How should the Reds handle the final spot in the rotation? The primary contenders are Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder. Both are highly touted prospects, but their workloads will need careful management. Lowder, in particular, is a major concern. He threw a mere 9.1 innings last season, primarily in rehab appearances. He battled forearm discomfort from the moment he arrived in Goodyear last year, and then, to add insult to injury, he pulled his oblique during a rehab start. On the other hand, Burns pitched a more substantial 109 innings last season, split between the minor and major leagues.
And this is the part most people miss: What happens to the pitcher who doesn't secure that final rotation spot? Do they embrace a swingman role, similar to what Nick Martinez has done, pitching in both relief and as a spot starter? Or do they head to Louisville to get consistent five-day rest and continue their development as a starter?
Beyond Burns and Lowder, the Reds have some interesting depth options to consider:
- Chase Petty: A young player who saw action in Triple-A with a 6.39 ERA and even made 2 MLB starts with a 19.50 ERA. His big-league numbers are a bit jarring, but he's still very early in his career.
- Brandon Williamson (L): Currently recovering from Tommy John surgery and last pitched in 2024. His return to form will be a key storyline.
- Julian Aguiar: Also undergoing Tommy John recovery and last pitched in 2024. Like Williamson, his health and progress are crucial.
- Jose Franco: At 25 years old, he put up solid numbers in 2025 with a 3.07 ERA in Double-A and a 3.51 ERA in Triple-A. He's a name to keep an eye on for potential future contributions.
So, what's your take on the Reds' rotation? Do you think Greene and Lodolo can stay healthy? Is Singer the true anchor? And most importantly, who do you believe deserves that final rotation spot, Burns or Lowder? Should the 'odd man out' be a swingman or sent to Triple-A? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear if you agree or disagree with this assessment!
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