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

4. The Reds should sign Graham Ashcraft to a contract extension next.

After Hunter Greene exited Monday's start following a comebacker off his right leg, and Nick Lodolo surrendered eight runs in less than five innings on Tuesday, I'm a little less than thrilled to see Graham Ashcraft go to the mound on Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

But hopefully Ashcraft can continue to put up the terrific numbers that Reds fans have seen from the right-hander to begin his sophomore season in the big leagues. Ashcraft came on strong in 2022, and he's carried that level of play over to the 2023 season as well.

Ashcraft doesn't have the pedigree of Hunter Greene, nor is he as polished as Nick Lodolo. But Ashcraft is an aggressive pitcher who challenges the opposition and has a wicked cut fastball.

Ashcraft also works quick, pitches to contact, and can get deep into games. The Alabama native had been seen as more a relief option in the minor leagues, but after proving the doubters wrong during his rookie season, he's made believers out of almost everyone in 2023.

So far this season, Graham Ashcraft has the lowest ERA of any Reds starting pitcher at 1.42. While he's never going to lead the league in strikeouts, Ashcraft is not going to change his approach. He's going to come after hitters, induce ground balls, and have an attitude while doing it.

A strong argument could be made that inking Ashcraft to a contract extension may be the most cost-effective signing the Cincinnati Reds could make. Perhaps the right-hander is the next Reds player to sign a contract extension.