Cincinnati Reds: How Hunter Greene Fits In

The Cincinnati Reds took the #1 overall prospect in the 2017 MLB Draft.

On Monday night, the Cincinnati Reds drafted two-way phenom Hunter Greene. The pick didn’t come as much of a surprise, as they were rumored to be set on the 18 year-old. The high school graduate was a consensus top 5 pick. Greene can easily throw 96 MPH, and can hit 102 MPH overall.

The elite talent has a verbal commitment to UCLA, but we’ll see what he chooses. A Notre Dame high school product that has excelled and can be a generational talent. Reds GM Dick Williams is “going to leave the door open for both” positions, via MLB.com. Cincinnati will most likely develop Greene depending on how successful he is at SS/RHP.

Hunter Greene’s skillset

The #2 overall pick clearly has the ability to contribute from the mound or the keystone. He is athletic and will surely grow into his frame. On the pitching aspect, the righty has pitched to the tune of a 0.75 ERA in 28 innings pitched ( According to RedsMinorLeague.com). His fastball is one of the best in the Draft, and he throws in the mid-90s with little effort. Williams and the rest of the front office’s plan for Greene is “ to make sure he builds up some more innings and that will be the focus.” His smooth delivery on the hill allows him to constantly attack the strike zone. the only negative in Greene’s game is his inconsistent curveball. Jim Callis has said in a recent article that ” some scouts rate his curveball as well below average and think he’ll have to scrap it in favor of a slider.”

Want your voice heard? Join the Blog Red Machine team!

Write for us!

In contrast at the plate, the two-way stud has “big loft power” and “big extension through contact.” His bat speed will ultimately factor into how hard he can make contact. At the keystone, Greene has ” very easy actions at shortstop with advanced footwork and balance.”As an infielder, the righty would still have gone in the first round. But since his presence on the mound is undeniable, a top 5 selection was due.

Where does Hunter Greene fit with the Cincinnati Reds?

The highly touted prospect’s niche in this organization will be where he excels, whether at short or on the mound. Greene is definitely a couple years away from the MLB, as he is only 18 years-old. He is a future asset that should be groomed until he is absolutely ready. Rushing him would be a tragedy, as the teenager is a special player.

The Reds have two Cuban signees in Jose Garcia and Alfredo Rodriguez at the moment. But having a trio of young shortstops is not a bad thing. If the Reds at least hit on 2 out of the 3 infielders (especially Greene), then Cincinnati can move one to another spot around the diamond.

The #1 overall prospect in this year’s draft will not have a problem asserting himself on the mound. If he can consistently get hitters to swing at his off speed pitches, then his fastball will be unhittable. The Reds will most certainly monitor his innings and flesh out his slider/curveball offering.

Next: Help the Reds collect food for our neighbors in Cincinnati

It is likely that Greene’s future with the organization will be on the mound. While I don’t doubt his ceiling as a great infielder/hitter, his greatness came be tamed on the mound.