4 Reds players who should also be signed long-term after Hunter Greene's contract extension

2. The Reds should sign Nick Lodolo to a contract extension next.

Many Reds fans took to social media after it was announced that Cincinnati had reached contract extension with Hunter Greene to express their dismay that it wasn't Nick Lodolo. Many throughout Reds Country were claiming that the team "signed the wrong pitcher".

Now I'll be the first one to tell you that Lodolo may be the better long-term investment and could have a longer and more accomplished career once all the dust has settled. That being said, in no way to the Reds make a mistake by signing Greene to a six-year contract extension.

If anything, it sets the table and the market for Lodolo. Both Greene and Lodolo are former first-round draft picks, made their major league debuts during the same month last season, and both have had similar success at the major league level.

If Hunter Greene is viewed as part of the long-term plan, you'd have to assume that Nick Lodolo is as well. The left-hander, until Tuesday's outing that saw him allow eight runs in less than five innings, Lodolo had the look of the best pitcher on this year's Reds squad.

Be patient, Reds Country. Nick Lodolo will get a deal done as well. Will it be this season? Perhaps. If not, keep an eye on Lodolo as the offseason comes around. The Cincinnati Reds appear to be prioritizing their pitching staff going forward.