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D-backs Named Unlikely Fit for Astros All-Star Pitcher

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ed-unlikely-fit-for-astros-all-star-pitcher.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 15:54 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The Unconventional Fit: How Hunter Greene’s Trade Could Benefit Both Diamondbacks and Astros

The Arizona Diamondbacks, seemingly out of nowhere, found themselves involved in a significant trade impacting the Cincinnati Reds' roster, acquiring pitcher Frankie Montas from Houston in exchange for prospect Travis Blankenship. While Montas is now a Diamondback, the story behind this deal reveals an unexpected connection to Reds’ star Hunter Greene and highlights how unconventional needs can shape MLB transactions. The initial report on Sports Illustrated detailed the surprising nature of Arizona's involvement, painting a picture of a team looking to bolster its pitching staff in a way few anticipated.

The core of the narrative revolves around Cincinnati’s decision to trade away Hunter Greene. Greene, a highly touted prospect known for his electric fastball and dynamic potential, has struggled to consistently translate that talent into major league success. His performance this season, while showing flashes of brilliance, hasn't met expectations, leading the Reds to explore options for moving him. The team’s rebuilding efforts necessitate acquiring assets to build around, and Greene, despite his promise, became a viable trade chip.

The Houston Astros, initially considered the frontrunners to acquire Greene, ultimately stepped away from a deal. According to sources cited in the Sports Illustrated article, the Astros' concerns centered on Greene’s consistency and command. While acknowledging his raw talent – particularly his velocity – they deemed the risk of acquiring him too high given their own championship aspirations. This hesitation created an opening for other teams to enter the conversation.

This is where the Arizona Diamondbacks unexpectedly entered the picture. The Diamondbacks, currently in contention for a playoff spot, needed pitching depth and experience. Montas, while not possessing Greene’s raw potential, offers stability and a track record of success – albeit one recently hampered by injury. He previously pitched effectively for the Oakland Athletics and Yankees before struggling with forearm issues that led to his trade to Houston earlier this season. The Astros acquired him hoping he could contribute to their playoff push, but he has not performed as expected in Houston.

The Diamondbacks’ interest wasn't solely about Montas himself. It was intertwined with the Reds’ willingness to accept a prospect – Travis Blankenship – in exchange for Greene. Cincinnati needed to offload salary and acquire younger talent, and Blankenship, a right-handed pitching prospect in Arizona’s system, fit that bill. The Astros' withdrawal from the Greene trade created a domino effect, allowing the Diamondbacks to capitalize on the situation by absorbing Montas and acquiring Blankenship at a potentially reduced cost.

Blankenship, as described by MLB.com, is a 6-foot-7 right-handed pitcher with a projectable frame and a fastball that touches the mid-90s. He’s considered a high-upside prospect but still requires significant development. His inclusion in the trade demonstrates Arizona's commitment to building for the future while simultaneously addressing their immediate pitching needs. [ https://www.mlb.com/prospects/travis-blankenship-614397 ]

The trade’s implications extend beyond the immediate roster moves. It highlights a broader trend in MLB: teams are increasingly willing to take calculated risks on players with high ceilings, even if those players come with significant question marks. The Astros' decision to walk away from Greene underscores their cautious approach, prioritizing proven performance over potential. Conversely, the Diamondbacks’ willingness to acquire Montas and absorb his salary demonstrates a belief in his ability to contribute to their playoff aspirations.

Furthermore, the situation illuminates the interconnectedness of MLB trades. One team’s hesitation can create opportunities for others, leading to unexpected partnerships and reshaping the landscape of the league. The initial focus on Greene's availability ultimately resulted in Montas landing in Arizona and Blankenship heading to Cincinnati – a chain reaction driven by shifting priorities and evolving needs across three different franchises.

The success of this trade remains to be seen. Montas will need to regain his form for the Diamondbacks to truly benefit from the acquisition. Blankenship’s development will determine whether the Reds made the right choice in trading away Greene. However, one thing is clear: the Arizona Diamondbacks' involvement in this unusual transaction demonstrates a willingness to explore unconventional solutions and capitalize on opportunities that arise when unexpected circumstances unfold within the complex world of Major League Baseball.