BREAKING: Terry Francona makes major decision on Hunter Greene after proclamation of Reds spring training
When spring training began last month, certain roles were already solidified, even if the team leaders couldn’t announce them publicly at the time. Elly De La Cruz was always set to be the Cincinnati Reds’ starting shortstop, Tyler Stephenson was certain to be behind the plate for the pitching staff, and despite a slight delay, it was clear Matt McLain would be starting at second base for the 2025 season.
On Friday, the Reds revealed another expected, yet crucial decision: Hunter Greene has been named the Opening Day starter. He will take the mound later this month when Cincinnati opens the 2025 season against the San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball Park. Greene also started for the Reds when the Cactus League action began last month.
Hunter Greene named 2025 Reds Opening Day starter
After Hunter Greene established himself as the undisputed ace of the Reds’ pitching staff in 2024, this announcement comes as no surprise. The right-hander earned his first All-Star Game selection in 2024, posting a 9-5 record with a 2.75 ERA over 26 starts. He struck out 169 batters in 150 ⅓ innings and will be aiming for a repeat of that success this season.
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This marks Greene’s second career Opening Day start. As a former first-round pick, he was chosen by manager David Bell to take the mound on Opening Day in 2023, following his strong rookie season in 2022.
Last year, the Reds (mistakenly) named Frankie Montas as their Opening Day starter. Montas struggled throughout the season and was eventually traded to the Milwaukee Brewers at the MLB trade deadline.
While the rest of the Reds’ starting rotation remains uncertain, with injuries likely influencing who makes the Opening Day roster, fans can at least be confident that Greene will be starting against the Giants on March 27th. Although Greene only pitched 3 ⅓ innings during his Opening Day start two years ago, it’s a safe bet that manager Francona will expect more from his ace when the season begins in less than three weeks.