Hunter Greene’s extension shows he has an answer for the question heard ‘round the Queen City “Where ya gonna go?”. The Cincinnati Reds front office announced on Tuesday they have locked up the 23-year-old for the next six years. The Hunter Greene extension is for six years at 53 million dollars. The deal also offers a club option for a seventh year in 2029 worth 21 million.
Greene became the youngest Opening Day starter for the Reds since 1980. Signing a multi-year extension shows the commitment the organization has to him. Now with the right-handed flamethrower here to stay, what does it mean for the future of the Reds?
Details on Hunter Greene’s extension ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/hx0bS775YZ
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) April 18, 2023
The Hunter Greene Extension sets the Reds up well financially
Hunter Greene’s extension secured the first guaranteed contract on the Reds’ book past 2023. The rest of the team is on pre-arbitration or arbitration contracts. There are plenty of players who could be the next candidate for an extension.
On the pitching side of things, Nick Lodolo and Graham Ashcraft both are in their second season with the team. Both players are just in their age 25 seasons. Ashcraft’s start to 2023 has been stellar. In three starts he’s posted a 22.4% strikeout rate with a 1.42 ERA. His 3.97 xFIP indicates a bit of luck on his side but has still pitched well. His fastball velocity sits in the 92nd percentile.
Lodolo has started the year out solid as well. Aside from his start Tuesday night where he was roughed up against a tough Tampa Bay lineup, the argument could be made of him being the best pitcher on the team. In his prior three starts, the lefty had a 14.3 K/9 over 17 innings. If the Hunter Greene extension was an indication of things to come, both Lodolo and Ashcraft could be in for a nice payday.
Reds Offensive Players that need to be Locked up Next
Not only are the Reds set up for the future in the pitching department, but they also have a good young core on offense as well. Jonathan India, who was the 2021 National League Rookie of the Year, has come out of the gates hot. Hitting .300 with a .855 OPS, India has shown that when healthy, he is a vital part of this Reds lineup. Tyler Stephenson has also shown his value for the Reds future. A career .293 hitter in just under 600 at-bats, Stephenson could be a candidate for the Reds to extend next.
With Stephenson branching out and playing first base for the Reds this season, he adds value to his game. There’s no denying Stephenson’s greatest attribute is his bat. Anyway the Reds can find a way to keep it in the lineup will be a recipe for success.
Main photo credit: Sam Greene-USA Today Sports
Players mentioned:
Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, Jonathan India, Tyler Stephenson
