In sports, rebuilding is a process that generally takes years of time, resources, and effort. This includes baseball, where an MLB rebuild can take years to finish. The Cincinnati Reds are currently undergoing a rebuild following a 2020 postseason appearance. Most recently, they signed a 23-year-old pitching prospect on a $53 million deal. The first building block for their rebuild has earned an extension.

Over the last couple of seasons, the Reds have slowly lowered their payroll and gotten rid of players with any long-term salaries. But this deal is the first big move of the rebuild for the Cincinnati-based team. 

Cincinnati Reds sign Hunter Greene to $53 million extension

The Cincinnati Reds have many players with a lot of potential on their roster. They are currently in a rebuild with the hopes of building a competitive team. Most recently, they agreed to a 6-year $53 million extension with pitching prospect, Hunter Greene. The Reds are hoping for a lot of growth from Greene, who has shown flashes of potential in his young career. ESPN’s Jeff Passan shared the update via Twitter. 

Read More: Horrific Injury Scare For Cincinnati Reds Fan Sees MLB Star Make a Touching Gesture Shortly After

In the Tweet, Passasn said, “BREAKING: Right-hander Hunter Greene and the Cincinnati Reds are in agreement on a six-year, $53 million contract extension that includes a seventh-year option, pending physical, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.” In a reply to his own Tweet, Passasn also mentioned that this is the first guaranteed salary for the Reds post the 2023 season. 

The reactions to this contract extension have been generally positive. Some fans are ecstatic because of the amount the deal cost. Others are saying it’s a good deal for both sides.

Some fans were shocked by how cheap the deal was.

Other fans said the deal is good for both sides.

But this is the first step in their rebuild as they sign a young prospect for the future. Earlier this year, the Reds paid a classy tribute to Damar Hamlin. But this amazing move has not changed their fortunes much this season.

Greene has star potential but hasn’t put it together yet

Hunter Greene has star pitcher potential for the Cincinnati Reds. He has shown a lot of promise and many experts predict ace-level pitching from him in the future. The Reds have done a good job to lock him down for the next 6 years at least, on a team-friendly. It will be interesting to see how he develops as a player. 

Watch This Story | From Black Betsy To Wonder Boy: Baseball’s Most Iconic Bats

What do you think of the Reds’ $53 million extension for Hunter Greene? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.