Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene will miss the entire 2027 season after undergoing a second Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, the team announced Thursday, dealing another major setback to one of the organization’s most important young pitchers. Greene is expected to face a 12- to 18-month recovery, making a return during the 2028 season the earliest realistic possibility.
The surgery became necessary after Greene experienced renewed elbow problems following an arthroscopic procedure in March to remove bone chips and spurs. That operation had kept him out until July 4, when he returned to the mound after months of rehabilitation. The Reds initially hoped his latest elbow issue could be treated with an internal brace, but further evaluation led doctors to perform another UCL reconstruction. Greene originally underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019 while in the minor leagues.
Greene, 27, made only five starts this season and finished 2-2 with a 6.83 ERA and 27 2/3 innings. The former No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft established himself as one of Cincinnati’s premier starters in 2024, earning his first All-Star selection while posting a 2.75 ERA in 26 starts. For his career, he is 27-31 with a 3.82 ERA and 650 strikeouts in 523 1/3 innings.
The injury also complicates Cincinnati’s long-term rotation plans. Greene is in the fourth season of a six-year, $53 million contract covering 2023-28, with a $21 million team option for 2029. The Reds had viewed him alongside Chase Burns as a potential foundation of their pitching staff, but Greene’s extended absence will force the club to find additional innings and reconsider its plans for next season.
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