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MLB: Breaking down 4 of the game’s top pitching prospects

By Sean Basile

Apr 17, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Matt Brash (47) throws against the Houston Astros during the second inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Matt Brash (47) throws against the Houston Astros during the second inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene
Apr 22, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene (21) throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

Hunter Greene Cincinnati Reds

If you haven’t yet watched Hunter Greene throw, I suggest you run to a television as fast as possible the next time he starts … before, you know, the Reds get rid of him like they do everybody else that’s good.

Greene had some control issues in his last starts versus the Cardinals, issuing four walks. His ERA is also a bit inflated right now at 5.27 after allowing eight earned runs in 13.2 innings of work.

And we also have to keep in mind he has faced the Braves, Dodgers, and Cardinals (three of the better lineups in baseball) when we think about that 5.27 ERA.

But man oh man, what he’s displaying is some really incredible stuff despite what the stat sheets say.

Obviously, the velo is going to pop off your screen, and the easiness of it when he’s sitting 98-99 and hitting upwards of 100 mph with seemingly almost no effort truly signifies that this dude has a gift.

The fastball spin is well-above-average at 2,404 rpm. For a rookie to come in after going through Tommy John and sit 99 while maintaining spin rate above 2,400 rpm, it is indicative of a pitcher who’s ceiling has not even been thought of yet. That’s how high it is.

The velo is there. The fastball spin is there. The changeup spin is even there above 2,000 rpm (the average changeup spin is in the 1,700 rpm range).

What Hunter needs to do first and foremost is stay healthy. He’s been battered and tattered in his young career, and he could very well be a ticking time bomb if he isn’t brought along properly.

Then he needs to make sure he is in command of his fastball. That is his best pitch and he cannot wind up like Aroldis Chapman not being able to command at-bats with elite level stuff at his disposal.

And then, over time, the slider will come along. It’s just south of 2,400 rpm, which is below average, but the velo on it is solid around 86 mph.

Once he continues to get healthier, that spin should increase to well-above-average.

Fingers crossed Hunter Greene is able to stay healthy!

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