Cincinnati Reds Rumored to Shop Star Pitcher at 2026 MLB Trade Deadline

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe Cincinnati Reds are in a tough spot. After starting the 2026 MLB season with strong momentum, the Reds have fallen to eight games out of a Wild Card spot, leaving the All-Star break. With the 2026 MLB trade deadline coming up, Cincinnati has been rumored to shop one of its star starting pitchers.

class="wp-block-paragraph">There continue to be rumors that the Reds will shop starting pitcher Hunter Greene, as reported by The Athletic’s Jim Bowden. Greene, who is under contract through the 2028 MLB season, is a part of a potent 1-2 punch in Cincinnati’s rotation with Chase Burns. The 26-year-old pitcher recently returned after elbow surgery.

class="wp-block-paragraph">If the Reds began to shop Greene before the 2026 MLB trade deadline, which organizations would make sense?

Potential trade destinations for Hunter Greene amid Cincinnati Reds rumorsJul 10, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene (21) prepares to pitch in the second inning against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectGreene has made two starts during the 2026 MLB season. The most recent was seven shutout innings with 12 strikeouts against the Chicago Cubs. The 26-year-old starting pitcher has been elite over the last two years, but the Reds could maximize his value now. If so, which teams could land Greene before August 3?

class="wp-block-paragraph">The Los Angeles Dodgers will always be at the top of the list for elite starting pitchers. Los Angeles would have Greene under contract through the 2028 MLB season. This would give the organization another Cy Young-caliber pitcher. It remains to be seen if Cincinnati would even trade him within the National League in this scenario.

class="wp-block-paragraph">What about the Toronto Blue Jays? Dylan Cease is one of the best pitchers in MLB, but the Blue Jays need reinforcements. Greene is coming off elbow surgery, but he would be the kind of upgrade that pulls Toronto back to the World Series. The Blue Jays are likely to buy at the deadline, and Greene could be their best option.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Finally, the Tampa Bay Rays need to acquire some starting pitching depth if they want to make a deep push into the MLB Postseason. On the other hand, an elite power hitter might be more important for Tampa due to its needs on offense. However, Greene would slot into one of the best rotations in the American League. After all, the pitching staff needs a true ace.

class="wp-block-paragraph">The Reds are expected to sell at the 2026 MLB trade deadline, and if Greene is available, he could be the biggest name truly on the market.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Read More: MLB Insider Reveals Detroit Tigers’ Surprising Trade Deadline Plan for Tarik Skubal