Hunter Greene sets lofty goals ahead of Opening Day Start

Cincinnati — Being selected as the Opening Day starter is one of the greatest accolades a Reds pitcher can get.

For the second time in his career, Hunter Greene, a Reds All-Star, will get the ball first.

It truly is an honor. It’s a holiday, especially in Cincinnati. As soon as you enter the city for the day, you can sense the excitement and energy,” Greene remarked.

Although it’s a huge day for Cincinnati, Hunter Greene is aware that Opening Day is just a preview of the 2025 campaign.

“Dude, it’s a long season,” Greene remarked. “As much as it means to me, as much as it means to the city, it’s one game, there is another 34 starts that needs to be made plus.”

Greene has gotten better every year he’s taken the mound.

“I’m trying to be in the seventh, eighth, ninth inning every start,” Greene said.

The Reds ace was asked if he ever thinks about winning the National League Cy Young Award.

“Of course. All the time. I’ll let that take care of itself though,” Greene said.

Greene shared his exact objectives on Instagram, which included a sub-3 ERA, 180+ innings pitched, 200+ strikeouts, and another All-Star selection. Greene will very certainly become the second Cy Young winner in Reds history if he can accomplish all of that.

Greene places a lot of importance on leading the Reds pitching staff both on the field and in the clubhouse.

“Once I was tapped as the ACE, that title means a lot and it holds a lot weight, I embrace that, always have. Also what knowing what comes with that. I don’t take it lightly,” Greene said.

Personal goals will ultimately help Greene lead the Reds to their team goal.

“That focus has never changed. The expectation for us of getting to the playoffs and winning a World Series. That hasn’t changed since we’ve been signed, that hasn’t changed since we got into pro ball,” Greene said.

And the road to playoff baseball starts with the ball in the Opening Day starter’s hand.