Might be a shock to some, but for the most of us that have watched each game so far, it comes as no surprise. The Cincinnati Reds possess two of the most valuable starting pitchers in the game, in fact, they’ve been so good, they’re two of the most valuable players in ALL of baseball, pitching & position.
Greene & Lodolo Lead SP WAR
Hunter Greene & Nick Lodolo share the reigns of most valuable starting pitchers so far through two weeks of MLB’s 2025 season. Greene is the highest (1.1 bWAR) and Nick Lodolo is just behind him at (0.9 bWAR). You can view the whole list of players here.
Both guys came into 2025 a new version of themselves, especially Nick Lodolo. Catcher Jose Trevino has spoke on numerous occasions about the shape of his new changeup and how it’s helping him set guys up and leading to more success. Hunter Greene has been more efficient through 3 starts of the year, as well, helping his success. He was one out away from a complete game shutout in San Francisco this week.
Lodolo’s ‘New’ Changeup
Nick Lodolo only has 8 Ks this year through 3 starts, which, in previous years would alarm some. He’s actually trying to pitch to contact now. After hitting a substantial amount of batters throughout the last few years, Lodolo knew he had to add something to his arsenal, alas here comes the changeup.
In 2024, Lodolo gave up 13 HRs to RHB, most of them off his fastball/sinker and in 2 strike counts. It was time for him to polish a 4th pitch, and that’s exactly what he did, and so far…it’s working. His GB% is up almost 6% in the early going and his offspeed pitch run value is in the 100th percentile, and even more impressive is his pitching run value, which is in the 96th percentile per Baseball Savant.
The next step for Lodolo is figuring out how to incorporate his repotoire even further and shooting to get more whiffs and up that K%, but for the most part, the contact off Lodolo so far has been very mild as his 67th percentile hardhit% suggests. The Reds have played some nice defense behind him, too, helping his case and his overall numbers.
The Greene Machine
Hunter Greene came into the year with a goal to pitch deeper into games. Through 3 starts, he’s averaging 6.7 IP way up from his 2024 totals, and you can argue he could’ve gone longer on Opening Day. Not to mention, it’s been pretty cold so far this season and that is always a factor for the shaping of his pitches.
There’s been quite a bit of hard hits off Hunter so far, but that’s to be expected from someone pumping 98+ MPH over 60 times a game. He has been over .1 closer to the plate this year so far (extension) which has helped his heat as well. He’s in the 98th percentile or higher per Baseball Reference in everything besides offspeed run value, so..folks at home, he’s been ELITE. Check it out for yourself.
