The Cincinnati Reds have made impressive strides in their journey, finishing the 2025 season with a postseason appearance for the first time in five years. A young and talented starting rotation was essential to their success, even as they navigated the challenges of a hitter-friendly ballpark. Consequently, rival teams have their eyes set on their starting pitchers.
As reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Reds continue to field inquiries from other teams regarding their starting pitchers. However, the likelihood of trades occurring this offseason appears slim. Rosenthal notes that the Reds are seeking a major league starter as part of any trade package, along with other assets aimed at bolstering their offense.
“Teams continue to reach out to the Cincinnati Reds about their starting pitchers, according to sources familiar with their discussions. The Reds remain open to the possibility if the return improves them for both the present and future. However, there is skepticism among rival clubs regarding the availability of their top arms—Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott,” Rosenthal stated on Saturday.
Teams continue to inquire about Cincinnati’s starting pitchers. Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott are believed to be unavailable.
Per: @Ken_RosenthalThis is how the Reds can acquire the bat they need👀 pic.twitter.com/xK1BIN415h
— SleeperReds (@SleeperReds) January 18, 2026
“To trade one of those starters—or even Brady Singer, whose trade value is the lowest among pitchers due to his salary of $12.75 million and entering his final season of club control—the Reds would almost certainly require a major league-ready starter in return, along with additional offensive assets.”
Last season, the Reds capped their campaign with an 83-79 record, pushing into the playoffs on the final day. Their pitching staff excelled, posting a 119 ERA+, the best mark in all of Major League Baseball. However, they ranked below league averages in several batting metrics, including runs scored, home runs, and OPS.
Reds Manager Impressed With Starting Pitching Depth
In his inaugural season as manager, Terry Francona led the Cincinnati Reds to the playoffs, having signed a three-year contract before the 2025 campaign. The two-time World Series champion expressed confidence in the team’s starting pitching depth, believing that healthy competition among the roster will bolster the development of their young pitchers further.
“It’s really good. There’s room for competition, which is beneficial. If everyone stays healthy, it eliminates desperation from the selection process. It’s about merit, which is a much better scenario,” Francona remarked to reporters at RedsFest on Friday.
#Reds’ Terry Francona on roster: ‘I like our guys. I don’t have to fake that’ | The Athletic https://t.co/wEuNNdjN4P
— Gingersaurus Rex (@HeyGingersaurus) January 17, 2026
The Reds’ five-man rotation, featuring Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Brady Singer, Nick Lodolo, and Nick Martinez, combined for an impressive 20.3 bWAR last year. They are also nurturing talent like Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, Chase Petty, Brandon Williamson, and Julian Aguiar, both of whom are returning from Tommy John surgery this year.
