In a surprising move on May 2, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds have traded their star pitcher Hunter Greene to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for two promising young talents: Mick Abel, the Phillies’ top pitching prospect, and Jhailyn Ortiz, a power-hitting outfielder from the Phillies’ farm system.
Hunter Greene, 24, has been a highly anticipated pitcher for the Reds since being drafted, and has shown flashes of brilliance on the mound, earning a reputation for his elite fastball and high strikeout rate. As a key member of the Reds’ rotation, Greene has been viewed as a building block for the team. However, with the Reds not contending in the 2025 season and with a more long-term vision in mind, the front office has opted to trade Greene for a return of young talent that can help the team rebuild.
In return, the Reds acquire Mick Abel, 21, the Phillies’ top pitching prospect. Abel has been highly regarded for his fastball and slider, and he has the potential to become a frontline starter. This trade allows the Reds to add a young, highly touted arm to their rotation for the future, giving them someone to build around in the coming seasons.
Along with Abel, the Reds also receive Jhailyn Ortiz, 23, an outfielder known for his raw power and strong bat. Ortiz has been a standout in the minors, showing the ability to drive the ball out of the park with consistency. His development as a hitter gives the Reds a potential middle-of-the-order power bat to develop as part of their rebuilding process.
While this trade brings in significant potential, it has left fans and analysts questioning the timing. The Reds were expected to have a competitive 2025, but parting ways with Greene signals that the team is focusing on a longer-term rebuild. This move also raises questions about the team’s current direction, especially with Greene’s upside.
For the Phillies, adding Hunter Greene to their rotation provides a huge boost to their starting staff, with his potential to be a dominant force in the postseason. His velocity and stuff at the top of the Phillies’ rotation could be exactly what the team needs to make a deep playoff run in 2025.
This trade has certainly caused a stir in Cincinnati, as fans ponder whether the Reds are beginning a larger rebuild or if there are other moves to come. Only time will tell whether this is a turning point for the franchise, or simply a strategic move to position themselves for the future.
