Hunter Greene's injury pushes Reds toward uncomfortable (but necessary) conversation

Cincinnati Reds starter Hunter Greene underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery earlier this week and will be shelved until July at the earliest. This is just the latest in a long list of injury concerns attached to Greene's résumé, and it's time for the Reds front office and ownership to have a tough (but necessary) conversation about the fireballer's long-term future in Cincinnati.

There were numerous trade rumors surrounding Greene this past offseason, and if he has any semblance of a bounce-back performance after returning from the IL this July, expect them to return next winter. The question is, will the Reds follow through and turn those rumors into an actual trade? It's something they should seriously consider.

The Reds must seriously consider trading Hunter Greene next offseason

While some of those offseason rumors were manufactured by local beat writers and national media, Cincinnati's front office did little to silence them. One has to wonder if the Reds were seriously fielding offers on Greene last year?

Greene also appeared to have a beef with one of the Reds' beat reporters this past season. While he didn't name names, most assume Greene's frustrations stem from a column written by MLB.com's Mark Sheldon when it was suggested that the Reds starter was slow-rolling his way back from injury. Sheldon went on to write, "Greene needs to start showing it (leadership) and get back on the field."

Greene appeared to take exception to the article, but Sheldon isn't the only person who's been critical of the injury issues centered around the Reds' star. Cincinnati Enquirer columnist Jason Williams wrote about Greene's penchant for taking his time returning from minor injuries, and even Reds radio broadcaster Jeff Brantley was surprised by the timeline attached to the right-hander's latest injury.

Greene also — through the advice of Dr. Neal ElAttrache — decided against offseason surgery and received a PRP injection instead. In hindsight, this is obviously a decision that Greene wishes he had back. Had he undergone the procedure during the offseason, he could've been named Cincinnati's Opening Day starter.

No one in the fanbase truly what's going on behind the scenes, but where there's smoke, there's fire. Is this simply just bad communication between Greene and the Reds' management? Or is it something bigger?

Reds fans are growing tired of Hunter Greene's sustained absence

Greene's lack of availability has caused some within the fanbase to turn against him. While that's not a reason in and of itself to make a deal, the idea of trading Greene is no longer a 90-10 issue in Reds Country. His inability to post, will have more and more fans growing comfortable with the notion of trading their All-Star starter — something that would've been inconceivable a couple years ago.

Despite all his injury concerns, Greene still holds tremendous trade value. When healthy, he's one of the best starters in the major leagues and is on an extremely affordable contract. The Reds could get an absolute haul for Greene — though they could've receieved more if he was moved this past winter.

The Reds would never consider a move like this if they didn't have quality pitching depth at the Major League level. But with Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo, Cincinnati has two solid options atop the rotation. If one (or both) of Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns begin to showcase their true potential, Cincinnati's starting rotation could be among the best in the game. If these players find success while Greene's on the IL, it'll only ratchet up the likelihood that an offseason trade takes place.

It's gut-check time for both the Reds and Greene. Does Cincinnati's front office still believe he's the guy who can lead this rotation going forward? If not, they have to consider a trade this coming offseason. As for Greene, is he still committed to this organization and willing to do what it takes to be the team's ace?

These are not easy questions to ask or answer, but they must take place.