Rhett Lowder Is A Good Problem To Have

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Dateline: Cincinnati

Rhett Lowder suffered through a tough 2025. He sat out all of spring training with a forearm strain. He tweaked an oblique while throwing in recovery, then shoulder fatigue that an MRI showed was structurally sound. 

This spring, he is fighting to join the Reds' talented starting rotation that already boasts Andrew Abbott, a 2025 National League All-Star. He also was voted the Reds Most Outstanding Player and best pitcher by the Cincinnati chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. 

Along with Abbott, veteran Brady Singer is coming off a good season. Hunter Greene was very effective when healthy. Nick Lodolo was brilliant for long stretches last season.

That leaves the fifth spot up for grabs for Lowder if he is fully recovered and wins a spirited competition that includes, Chase Burns, the number one pick from the 2024 draft. Chase Petty had two dismal starts and a subpar season but has plenty of ability to go with his youth. Julian Aguilar, who showed promise in 2024, and Brandon Williamson, who is returning from injury. Carson Spiers, who actually filled in for Abbott out of spring training is also recovering from surgery and could compete later.

That leaves an opening that Lowder could fill.

"He handled a really shitty year really well," said Reds manager Terry Francona, who didn't get to see Lowder in his first year as Reds' manager. "It was a tough year. I don't care who you are. That's hard."

Lowder will turn 24 on March 8. He was selected by the Reds with their first pick in the 2023 draft out of  Wake Forest University. He made six starts for the Reds that season. Lowder had a 1.17 ERA in 30 2/3 innings, a small but encouraging sample size. He has the reputation of being a smart pitcher that has an excellent repertoire of good pitches.

Francona asked about his age. When told he was 23 he showed mock skepticism.

"He's not. He pitches like a veteran," Francona said. "It is very obvious and I've heard people say that. It jumps out. He knows what he's doing. He has a touch and feel which is rare. In our game where it's grip and rip (an emphasis on throwing velocity), it is refreshing."

Even with this reputation and the ability Lowder has shown as a top draft choice and his spot is not guaranteed. He will need to earn a spot.

"That's a good thing for us. It bodes well," Francona said. "If we have to aggravate a guy or two. Good for us. When you go the other way when you don't have enough (talented starting pitchers). That's not a good feeling."

With a good year by the starters and incremental improvement, a successful return and a talented Burns, the Reds' starting rotation has a chance to be special. That would go a long way to helping the team return to the playoffs and go beyond the two games last season against the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round.