Surprising Hunter Greene trade rumors have Reds facing a franchise altering decision

The Hunter Greene trade rumors are back, and this time, it's not just random internet chatter. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic is reporting that the Reds are drawing significant interest in Greene with the MLB trade deadline just a few days away.

Rosenthal went on to explain that a source who was briefed on the trade discussions revealed that Cincinnati isn't necessarily motivated to move Greene, but they're listening to offers.

Reds Rumors: Hunter Greene receiving interest from rivals as Cincy ponders their future

Greene is easily the Reds' most attractive trade chip. The right-hander has two years remaining on the six-year, $53 million contract extension he signed in 2023, and the deal contains a $21 million team-option for the 2029 season.

The former No. 2-overall pick also happens to be one of the best pitchers in baseball. That label, however, comes with the caveat of "when he's healthy." Greene has found his way onto the injured list every single season, and missed half of this year while recovering from elbow surgery.

Greene has started four games this season and is 2-2 with a 7.08 ERA. Those numbers are inflated, of course, because of the small sample size, and his 3.20 FIP is more indicative of how well he's actually pitched during his brief time in the big leagues this season.

If the Reds truly entertain offers at the deadline for Greene, it could reshape the organization's entire future. If the fireballer is available, he immediately vaults to No. 1 among all starting pitchers presumed to move at the trade deadline — yes, that includes Detroit Tigers starter Tarik Skubal who'll be a free agent after the 2026 season.

The Reds have already declared their intentions to trade away players on expiring contracts at this year's deadline, but the return on investment won't be anything franchise-altering. The best they can hope for would be to acquire a couple of top-10 organizational prospects for the likes of Brady Singer and maybe Tyler Stephenson. Greene, however, would bring back an absolute haul.

But the risk could be massive. Cincinnati would effectively be trading one of the best pitchers in baseball for (likely) some unproven pieces who are supposed to help him in the future. With Elly De La Cruz's window narrowing — he becomes a free agent after 2029 — this would be a bold move on the part of the Reds' front office and ownership.

Having stated that, the Reds have been stuck in mediocrity for the past several seasons. Even their trip to the playoffs in 2025 resulted in a quick exit — thanks in part to Greene's underwhelming performance in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series.

Will they pull the trigger on such a rash, but potentially lucrative, trade at this year's deadline. We have until Monday at 6 p.m. ET to find out.

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