In a move that has fans buzzing and analysts talking, the Cincinnati Reds have officially promoted top pitching prospect Chase Burns to the Major League roster. The announcement comes as part of a bold rotation shake-up, signaling the club’s intent to contend — and to do it with power on the mound.
Burns, 21, was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Wake Forest and has done nothing but dominate since entering professional baseball. Over seven combined starts between High-A Dayton and Double-A Chattanooga this season, Burns has posted a 2.35 ERA with 48 strikeouts in just 30.2 innings, allowing opponents to hit a mere .193 against him. His electric fastball sits in the upper 90s and is paired with a devastating 90-mph slider that’s already drawing comparisons to some of the league’s elite.
The move comes as the Reds manage the temporary loss of Hunter Greene, who is currently on the IL with a groin strain. While Greene is expected back soon, the Reds front office — led by Nick Krall — is clearly unwilling to waste any opportunity for momentum in a tightly contested NL Central.
“We knew Chase had elite stuff when we drafted him,” said Reds manager Terry Francona. “But he’s taken it to another level this year. His work ethic, his poise, and his ability to command the zone made it clear — he’s ready.”
Burns’ fast-track to the bigs isn’t just about filling in. It’s about changing the tone of the Reds’ season. With Brady Singer, Nick Lodolo, Nick Martinez, and Andrew Abbott holding down the rest of the rotation, Burns brings the kind of upside that could elevate the entire staff.
In his most recent start for Double-A Chattanooga, Burns allowed just one run on two hits, striking out seven across five dominant innings. Scouts have raved about his composure and mound presence, and his 41.4% strikeout rate is nearly unheard of for a pitcher so early in his professional career.
The Reds haven’t yet announced which day Burns will debut, but sources indicate it could be as soon as this weekend’s series at Great American Ball Park.
One thing is clear: The Chase Burns era has officially begun in Cincinnati — and it might be the spark this team needs.
