Reds starter Andrew Abbott must prove one more thing to earn long-term extension

For all the consistency, growth, and dominance Andrew Abbott has shown since debuting in 2023, there’s still one box left to check before he can ink a long-term extension with the Cincinnati Reds. And that’s for him to go wire-to-wire and stay healthy for the rest of the 2025 season.

It may sound simple, but in today’s game — especially for young pitchers — that’s the proving ground. For Abbott, who has quietly developed into one of the National League’s most reliable starters, it might be the final piece that vaults him into franchise cornerstone status.

Across parts of three MLB seasons, Abbott has posted a career 24–17 record with a 3.40 ERA over 310 innings. All 57 of those outings have come as a starter. He’s racked up 298 strikeouts against 116 walks and sports a career WHIP of 1.24. There’s no volatility in his numbers. He’s been a steady, dependable producer on the mound. And in 2025, that dependability is turning into dominance.

Why Andrew Abbott’s health is the final key to a long-term deal with the Reds

Abbott’s first 11 starts this season have been pristine. He owns a 6–1 record, a sparkling 1.87 ERA, and a 0.97 WHIP, with 64 strikeouts in just 62.2 innings. He’s limiting walks and commanding games with poise and polish.

Another high point came on June 10, when Abbott threw his first career complete game — a 3-hit shutout against the Cleveland Guardians, walking just one and striking out five. It was a signature performance that put the baseball world on notice of just how high his ceiling can be.

Just two weeks prior, he blanked the Chicago Cubs across seven innings, surrendering just one hit and punching out eight. It dropped his ERA at the time to 1.51 and sent a message that he’s not just here to round out the rotation — he can anchor it.

Abbott’s rookie season in 2023 saw him make 21 starts. He followed that up with 25 more in 2024. Respectable totals, yes — but not quite the full-season grind teams want to see before handing out long-term deals.

The Reds have seen this story before. Injuries can derail even the most promising careers, especially for pitchers who rely on rhythm, repeatability, and feel. Abbott doesn’t blow up the radar gun, but his success hinges on sharp command and sequencing — both of which require consistent work. If he can prove he’s capable of making 30 or more starts and topping 170 innings in a season, there’s little reason to believe he wouldn’t enter the extension conversation.

With ace Hunter Greene already locked into the Reds’ future plans, the next logical step is identifying another long-term piece. Abbott’s consistency, durability progression, and rising performance metrics make a compelling case. He’s just 26 years old and entering the prime of his career. If he can avoid the IL and keep pitching at this level, the front office may not wait long before striking a deal.

For now, Abbott’s job is clear. Keep doing what he’s doing — taking the ball every fifth day. The numbers speak for themselves. He’s earned the Reds’ trust. Now he can earn their commitment if he keeps this up all year long.

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