Pitcher Hunter Greene has signed a $53 million contract extension with the Cincinnati Reds.  The Reds announced Greene’s six-year deal, which runs through 2028, and includes a $21 million team option for 2029. The deal includes a $2 million buyout.

Greene joined the Reds as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, and made his MLB debut on April 10, 2022. He went 5-12 with a 4.44 ERA last season. The right-handed pitcher is 0-0 with a 4.24 ERA through four starts this season, and allowed just three hits in three shutout innings in the Reds’ 8-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday in Cincinnati.

The Reds (7-10) went 62-100 in 2022, and have made the playoffs just once since 2013, nor have they won a playoff series since 1995. They are 5-13 in the postseason since they won the World Series in 1990. Greene told reporters at his news conference Wednesday in Cincinnati: “I’m fired up. I want to be at the forefront of bringing winning back to Cincinnati.”

Reds owner Bob Castellini said in a statement: “The commitment we made to Hunter reflects his commitment to this organization and to our community  He is part of the foundation of young players who will continue to help us build a successful Major League team.”

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