The Cincinnati Reds decided to be a rebuilding, cost-cutting team in 2022.
That doesn’t necessarily mean, however, that they will be atrocious or unwatchable.
In fact, there are plenty of reasons to watch Reds’ games: Joey Votto remains an elite first baseman, Jonathan India is one of the game’s blossoming stars, and Nick Senzel will get at least one more shot to get his career back on track.
Another reason to be interested in the Reds is young pitcher Hunter Greene.
The 22-year-old rookie will likely play a big role in Cincinnati’s season, and it has already been announced that he made the rotation out of camp.
“Reds announce that top prospect Hunter Greene and his 102 MPH fastball will make their MLB debut on April 10,” B/R Walk-Off tweeted on Wednesday, with a clip of the youngster’s incredible heater.
Reds announce that top prospect Hunter Greene and his 102 MPH fastball will make their MLB debut on April 10 🔥
(h/t @PitchingNinja) pic.twitter.com/MEV49JH5ki
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) March 30, 2022
He Has A Place In The Rotation
Tyler Mahle, Luis Castillo, and Mike Minor (who came via trade from Kansas City in exchange for reliever Amir Garrett) will likely take the ball in the Reds’ first three games of the season, setting the stage for Greene to show what he’s made of in the fourth game.
The scouting report says that Greene’s fastball sits in the high-90s, between 97 and 100, but he can dial it up to 102 if needed.
He also has a very good slider and his command and control are surprisingly good for a guy who throws that hard.
The key, for Greene, will be making strides with his mediocre changeup: if he manages to turn it into a usable third pitch, he could be a future ace.
Last year, Greene pitched in Double-A and Triple-A: he had a 1.98 ERA in the former, and a 4.13 in the latter, so he may not be ready to be an MLB star immediately.
He will definitely be one to watch, though.
NEXT: Reds Add Former Top Pick Hunter Greene To The Rotation