Reds Ink Hunter Greene to Six-Year Extension

By Drew Lutts

April 18, 2023

The Cincinnati Reds made some waves on Tuesday afternoon. Just an hour before their game against the Tampa Bay Rays, it was announced that the Reds signed Hunter Greene to a six-year, $53 million contract. This is big news for the rebuilding club, and a great deal to boot. Greene is the resident flamethrower on the Reds’ roster, and he’s only 23-years old. He is also the first one to receive any guaranteed money past the 2023 season for the Reds.

Contract Details

Hunter Greene has started four games for the Reds so far this season. He owns a 4.24 ERA, but he is practically learning on the job in Cincinnati, as he’s only 23. This deal shows the Reds are serious about keeping their young core together. With no guaranteed money on the books past this season, it allows the Reds to keep players like Greene around for a long time. Other players who could see deals coming soon include fellow starter Nick Lodolo. Infielders Jonathan India and Tyler Stephenson may get one too. This deal is also seems to follow a very similar route taken by the Atlanta Braves. They have locked up much of their young, exciting players to long-term deals, and they will be competitive for many years to come.

The deal is for six years, which would carry through Greene’s age 30 season. It also includes $53 million dollars, earning Greene $8.83 million per year as a Red. With Greene showing that he has All-Star potential, this deal could end up heavily favoring the Cincinnati Reds. The deal also includes a team option for 2029, which will be talked about sometime down the road. For now though, Greene is here to stay in a Reds uniform. Jeff Passan was first to break the news about the new contract.

BREAKING: Right-hander Hunter Greene and the Cincinnati Reds are in agreement on a six-year, $53 million contract extension that includes a seventh-year option, pending physical, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. Details free and unlocked at ESPN: https://t.co/Z7Lp7rDaum

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 18, 2023

Following that model could prove valuable for a small market such as the Cincinnati Reds. This is definitely a step in the right direction for the Reds, and could prove to be a stellar deal. Only time will tell who else gets an extension to stay in the Queen City, but nonetheless, it is exciting news to see. Look for Cincinnati to lock up their core and begin to be more competitive for the years to come.