Projecting the Reds 2025 Opening Day starting rotation after trading for Brady Singer

Who'll open the season for the Reds?

Kansas City Royals starter Brady Singer
Kansas City Royals starter Brady Singer | Dustin Bradford/GettyImages

Sadly, the Cincinnati Reds parted ways with Jonathan India ahead of Friday's non-tender deadline. The longtime Reds' second baseman along with outfielder Joey Wiemer were traded to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for right-handed pitcher Brady Singer.

While India's leadership, clutch hitting, and fan-friendly personality will undoubtedly be missed, Singer brings a great repertoire to the Reds starting rotation. After losing both Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar to elbow surgeries, the Reds needed to add another arm to their stable of young pitchers.

There's always te chance for Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall to make even more additions in the coming weeks, and we all know that you can never have enough pitching. But what might the Reds 2025 Opening Day rotation look like with the addition of Singer?

Projecting the Reds 2025 Opening Day starting rotation after trading for Brady Singer

Hunter Greene, Reds right-handed pitcher

Hunter Greene emerged as the Reds' ace in 2024, and he'll be the unquestioned Opening Day starter heading into spring training next year. Greene developed into the starter that Reds Country had been clamoring for and even received some Cy Young votes this past week. Look for Greene to be toeing the rubber March 27th against the San Francisco Giants.

Nick Lodolo, Reds left-handed pitcher

When he's healthy, Nick Lodolo is the second-best pitcher on the Reds' roster. Some could even make the argument that he should slotted ahead of Greene. But Lodolo can't stay on the field. The southpaw went on the IL multiple times in 2024, and the addition of Singer offers the Reds some insurance given Lodolo's injury history.

Nick Martinez, Reds right-handed pitcher

Nick Martinez accepted the qualifying offer and will return to Cincinnati next season. While signing the QO doesn't necessarily guarantee Martinez a spot in the starting rotation, the right-hander performed too well down the stretch to be allocated to the bullpen. Martinez may be moved into a relief role as the season progresses, but the veteran should start the year in the rotation.

Andrew Abbott, Reds left-handed pitcher

Andrew Abbott's 2024 campaign was slowed by a shoulder injury that landed him on the IL near the tail-end of last season. Abbott's final 15 games of the season saw a noticeable drop-off in production, so the Reds are hoping that a healthy version of Abbott puts up the type of numbers fans saw during his rookie season.

Brady Singer, Reds right-handed pitcher

The Reds got their man in Brady Singer. There were whispers dating back nearly a week, and the trade was finally executed on Friday. Singer brings a five-pitch mix, but typically relies on his sinker-slider combo. Singer also does a great job of inducing ground ball and has logged over 150 inning in each of the last three seasons.

Obviously, the trade likely knocks Rhett Lowder out of the starting rotation. If everyone is fully healthy, Reds fans should expect to see Lowder open the season at Triple-A Louisville. It'll be interesting to see how the Reds handle Graham Ashcraft's role in 2025 as well. The Reds also have Carson Spiers, Connor Phillips, and Chase Petty waiting in the wings.

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