One Hunter Greene trade comparison should have every Reds fan paying attention

The odds are steadily increasing, and the likelihood of the Cincinnati Reds actually trading Hunter Greene has reportedly climbed to 50-50. MLB insider Mark Feinsand spoke with several rival executives about the Greene trade speculation, and it would seem that this is more than just idle chit-chat.

One executive equated the Reds' potential return for Greene to the 2024 haul the Chicago White Sox received after trading starting pitcher Garrett Crochet to the Boston Red Sox. The lefty was shipped to Boston in exchange for two top-100 prospects and two other talented players within the Red Sox farm system. Crochet then inked a six-year, $170 million contract extension.

Reds could command a Garrett Crochet-sized haul if they trade Hunter Greene

Catcher Kyle Teel, outfielder Braden Montgomery, infielder Chase Meidroth, and right-hander Wikelman González were sent to the South Side of Chicago. Teel and Montgomery were both top-100 prospects last season according MLB Pipeline, while both Meidroth and González debuted for the White Sox last season.

If Greene is moved before Monday's trade deadline, it would represent a massive shift for the Reds as an organization — both in terms of the short-term and long-term goals for the franchise.

The short-term, it would be a huge subtraction. While Greene has only started four games for Cincinnati this season, when he's healthy, he's arguably a top-10 starter in the game. Losing a pitcher of his caliber should be viewed as nothing less than major loss, and would have a dramatic effect on the outlook heading into 2027.

That is, of course, dependent on the return package the Reds would receive if Greene was dealt. Teams like the Milwaukee Brewers trade their stars all the time, and yet, still find a way to remain competitive year-in and year-out.

Though few fans actually trust Nick Krall and the Reds' braintrust to receive adequate compensation if Greene were traded, Cincinnati's leadership has could find tremendous value given the lack of top-tier starting pitchers available at this year's deadline.

The Reds have until Monday at 6 p.m. ET to decide what to do with Greene. There were rumblings during the offseason; most of which were easily dismissed. But the noise has become deafening, and one has to wonder if Cincinnati will actually move their ace before this year's trade deadline expires.

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