Terry Francona makes most predictable proclamation of Reds spring training

When spring training started last month, some items were already cemented in stone, even if the head honchos weren't able to say so publicly. Elly De La Cruz was always going to be the Cincinnati Reds' starting shortstop. Tyler Stephenson was undoubtedly going to be hanging the signs for the Cincinnati pitching staff this season. And, even though it took a couple days, Reds fans knew that Matt McLain was destined to open the 2025 season at second base.

On Friday, the Reds added yet another predictable, but necessary bit of information into the equation. Hunter Greene was named the Reds Opening Day starter and will toe the rubber later this month when Cincinnati begins the 2025 season against the San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball Park. Greene was also the Reds' starter when the Cactus League began late last month.

Hunter Greene named 2025 Reds Opening Day starter

After Greene became the unquestioned ace of the Reds' pitching staff in 2024, this is hardly earth-shattering news. The right-hander made it to his first All-Star Game in 2024 and posted a 9-5 record with a 2.75 ERA in 26 starts. Greene struck out 169 batters over 150 ⅓ innings and will be seeking a repeat performance this season.

This will be Greene's second career Opening Day start. The former first-round pick was David Bell's choice to lead the charge in 2023. After breaking onto the major league scene as a rookie in 2022, Greene was honored to take the ball on Opening Day the following year.

Last season, the Reds (foolishly) named Frankie Montas as the Opening Day starter. Montas struggled mightily last season for Cincinnati, and was eventually shipped to the Milwaukee Brewers at the MLB trade deadline.

No one knows how the rest of the Reds' starting rotation will shake out, and injuries will certainly play a role in who will be part of the Opening Day roster and who'll begin the year on the IL or in the minor leagues.

But at least Reds fans now know for sure that Greene will be on the bump on March 27th against the Giants. Greene went just 3 ⅓ frames during his Opening Day start two years ago, but it's good bet that Francona will be looking for more from his ace when the season begins in a little less than three weeks.

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