The Cincinnati Reds may not be facing a crisis yet, but pivotal decisions loom regarding the future of their starting rotation.

There’s no shortage of talent on the staff, with names like Nick Lodolo, Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, and the rising Chase Burns. Eventually, the Reds’ front office will need to determine which arms are essential to their future—and which might be expendable.

Hunter Greene, despite being an All-Star in 2024, hasn’t proven he can stay healthy over the course of a season. While his contract is team-friendly, his recurring injuries—dating back to 2022 and including stints on the IL for elbow and groin issues—raise red flags. The Reds can’t keep counting on him to lead the rotation if durability remains an issue.

Lodolo, who’s been dominant in 2025, is set to enter arbitration in 2026 and would hit free agency after 2027. Though fans would love to see him stick around, the club may face a tough call depending on how their younger arms develop.

Meanwhile, Abbott has the longest runway—he’s under team control until 2029. With an All-Star nod under his belt, the Reds should strongly consider locking him up early with a long-term extension this offseason.

Then there’s Chase Burns, who’s already made a big impression. In just his first five starts, he’s delivered two double-digit strikeout performances and has proven he can hold his own against top-tier teams. While it’s too early to label him the next ace, Burns is making a strong case. A proactive contract extension—similar to the path Cincinnati once took with Greene—might be a smart move.

Not long ago, it seemed like Greene, Lodolo, and Graham Ashcraft were the future foundation of the Reds’ rotation. But with Abbott and Burns stepping up, and possibly Rhett Lowder joining them soon, the club may be on the verge of shifting toward a new core entirely.