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Goodyear Village Today
By the People, for the People
Reds Name Budding Ace Abbott as Opening Day Starter
Left-hander Andrew Abbott to take the mound for Cincinnati's 2026 season opener.
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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The Cincinnati Reds have named 26-year-old left-handed pitcher Andrew Abbott as their Opening Day starter for the 2026 season. Abbott, who made his first All-Star team last year, will take the mound on March 26 against the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park. This will be Abbott's first time pitching on Opening Day, as the Reds' previous starter, Hunter Greene, is currently dealing with right elbow stiffness.
Why it matters
Opening Day is a major event in Cincinnati, with the Reds being the oldest professional baseball franchise. The game often has a playoff atmosphere, and the Reds' selection of the up-and-coming Abbott signals their confidence in him as the team's new ace.
The details
Abbott, 26, had a breakout 2025 season, going 10-7 with a 2.87 ERA in 29 starts and 166.1 innings pitched. He emerged as the Reds' ace after missing the start of the season due to a 2024 left shoulder injury. In 17 starts, he surrendered fewer than two earned runs, including one complete game.
- The Reds are slated to open the 2026 regular season on March 26 against the Red Sox.
- Abbott was informed of his Opening Day start by manager Terry Francona during Sunday's spring training workout.
The players
Andrew Abbott
A 26-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who was named the team's 2026 Opening Day starter after making his first All-Star team last season.
Terry Francona
The manager of the Cincinnati Reds who informed Abbott that he would be the team's Opening Day starter for the 2026 season.
Hunter Greene
The Reds' previous Opening Day starter in 2025 who is currently dealing with right elbow stiffness and is shut down from pitching pending test results.
What they’re saying
“I think it's awesome. I don't take anything for granted. I'm honored to represent Cincinnati on that day. I know being there and seeing how big of a holiday it's celebrated. It's great. Having the chance with all the teammates, all the talent we have on this team means a lot to me too. Any one of those guys deserve it but I'm excited to take the ball and give it my all.”
— Andrew Abbott (mlb.com)
“You definitely have to enjoy it a little but you have to kind of flirt the fine line. Can't get too involved in it, can't let the emotions kind of overtake. You've still got to focus, you still have to pitch, you still got to execute. But I'm definitely going to take it in and see Cincinnati at its fullest on Opening Day and just enjoy it.”
— Andrew Abbott (mlb.com)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
