The Cincinnati Reds have shown promise with their young roster, but to fully capitalize on their potential and build a competitive team, they must focus on their pitching staff. Two critical pitchers stand out as must-retains for the Reds heading into next season: Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. Both of these talented arms represent not only the future of Cincinnati’s rotation but also the cornerstone pieces needed to compete in a tough National League Central division.
First, Hunter Greene, the Reds’ fireballer, has emerged as one of the most exciting young pitchers in baseball. Greene’s ability to hit triple digits on the radar gun and his development in controlling his powerful fastball make him a potential ace for the Reds. While his 2023 season was cut short due to injury, he showed flashes of brilliance with his strikeout ability and improving command. For the Reds to contend, they must prioritize Greene’s health and continue to invest in his growth. His ceiling is incredibly high, and the Reds simply can’t afford to let such a valuable asset slip away.
Nick Lodolo, on the other hand, brings a different dynamic. While not as overpowering as Greene, Lodolo is a left-handed pitcher with exceptional control and movement. His ability to mix pitches effectively and generate groundballs makes him a perfect complement to the more power-oriented Greene. Lodolo’s consistency when healthy has shown he can be a reliable middle-of-the-rotation arm, if not more.
Re-signing and investing in both Greene and Lodolo is crucial for Cincinnati’s future. With them anchoring the rotation, the Reds have the potential to build a pitching staff that can compete with the league’s best. Losing either would set the team back in their pursuit of postseason success.