Ace Pitcher Could Be On Trade Block, Are Red Sox A Fit?

The Boston Red Sox are interested in finding a pitcher to slot in behind Garrett Crochet in the rotation. According to rumors, a high-profile arm might be on the trade block this summer.

MLB’s Reds writer Mark Sheldon speculated that ace Hunter Greene could be on the move. Cincinnati ranked in the middle of the pack in terms of runs per game, but plays in one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks in baseball. They were also 21st in home runs and 28th in expected weighted on-base average.

If the Reds are willing to trade Greene, the Red Sox should be involved. Over the last two seasons, Greene has been one of the best pitchers in baseball. He’s registered a 2.76 ERA in 258 innings. His 29.2% strikeout rate over that span is ninth in baseball among pitchers with at least 250 innings pitched.

He also has trades that Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow has shown a proclivity for during his tenure as Boston’s primary decision maker. His fastball averaged 99.5 mph in 2025 and has a fairly flat approach angle. His ability to generate swings and misses in the strike zone is also one that pitching coach Andrew Bailey has emphasized, and an area that the Red Sox rotation was lacking.

There are some red flags with Greene, though. While he reduced his walk rate to 6.2% in 2025, he had previously struggled with handing out free passes. In his first three seasons, control issues caused him to walk 9.3% of hitters. He’s also battled injuries, hitting the injured list multiple times over the last two seasons.

Greene is an excellent pitcher, and the Reds might be reluctant to move him. At the same time, they have the pitching depth to justify trading an arm the caliber of Greene’s. Nick Lodolo and Andrew Abbott each had excellent seasons, while top prospect Chase Burns debuted this season. Rhett Lowder and Chase Petty are prospects who should see major league time in 2026.

Greene is under team control through the 2029 season. He’s set to make $15.3 million in 2026 and $16.3 million in 2027. His contract also includes a $21 million club option for 2028. If the option is picked up, he’ll be 30 years old when he reaches free agency.