ARIZONA — Hunter Greene “Machine” was the second overall pick in the 2017 Major League Baseball draft by the Cincinnati Reds and has been a big part of their organization ever since. Greene was 9-5 in 2024 with an ERA of 2.75 in 2024, emerging as the uncontested ace of the staff.
Cincinnati Reds Star Hunter Green Speaks to MLBbro.com
He had career highs in innings pitched and strikeouts (169) as well. Like all ball players he has a direct and certain approach to the game. His outlook for 2025 isn’t much different than the past.
“My mindset is to be in that attack mode. Bulldog, aggressive, going after guys and competing” the 25-year-old told MLBbro.com during a spring training interview prior to his Opening Day start.
He pitched in the 2018 Futures Game as part of the United States team but with an injury in 2019 and Covid wiping out Minor League Baseball in 2020, it wasn’t until 2021 that he was able to get back onto the mound on a regular basis. Greene passed the test that year as he posted a double digit win campaign, struck out 130 batters, and had a recorded pitch of over 104 Miles Per Hour.
Hunter Greene Is A PopStar | His 104 MPH Heater Is About To Hit The Show
It certainly was natural progress for him to not only make his Major League debut in 2022 but become the starting and winning pitcher as well over the Atlanta Braves on April 10th.
Cincinnati Reds Ace Hunter Greene Shines On Opening Day
Greene was the opening day starter for Cincinnati in 2023 and was also given that assignment here in 2025.
“It’s a true blessing, and honor to start another opening day for the Reds” Greene told MLBbro during spring training. “It’s a holiday in the city, kids take off school, it’s a thing.
To be at the forefront of that day is really special” he added, alluding to how passionately fans celebrate the first game of the season.
Greene pitched five innings and struck out eight with a no decision on opening day 2025 but the next day which was an off day for the Reds he was very much involved in the community. He partnered with a couple of companies to put together what seemingly is the largest free baseball giveaway under one roof, spikes, bats, and gloves were just some of the giveaways to kids who play youth baseball through the high school level.
“It’s always been at the forefront of my work, and I’ve understood the platform that I’ve had” Greene said about the importance of getting his community message to those he can help. “I’m blessed to have a lot of resources and connections, and I want to be able to use those to benefit others” the California native mentioned.
Hunter Greene Embraces Community As Product Of MLB Youth Academy In Compton, Ca.
As a high school junior Greene participated in the MLB youth academy in Compton, California. He posted fantastic numbers as one might expect a 1.63 Earned Run Average and a .419 batting average.
“Technically I wasn’t able to participate in the youth academy because you had to be a certain age” Greene shared that he almost was excluded. “Jimmie Lee Solomon because of the position he had with the academy allowed me to get in. Without Jimmie Lee, I don’t know if I’d be in the position that I’m in now” said Hunter, who spoke highly of the former Major League Baseball executive.
The late Jimmie Lee Solomon at the time was the VP of baseball development. Solomon also had a huge hand in developing the futures game that is played during All Star weekend.
We know Greene is creative on the mound as evidenced by the number of strikeouts he collects on an annual basis, but he is also crafty away from the diamond as well.
Hunter Greene Is Approaching 500 Career Strikeouts
“Painting and drawing is my escape” he answered on what he likes to do when he has time away from the ballpark. Great American Ball Park is where Greene will do most of his work but when he’s not in Cincinnati there are a couple of other stops he enjoys. “Toronto is great, that’s one of my favorite places to go play” Greene shared. “My Dad’s from the bay area, San Francisco is great, I grew up chasing Barry Bonds when he was going on his home run record” he recalled.
Greene is approaching 500 strikeouts in his career and could get it in his second start of the season. As we turn the calendar into April, he will post many many more.
