The Cincinnati Reds, already boasting one of the most exciting young pitching groups in baseball, just hit the accelerator by calling up 22-year-old flamethrower Chase Burns, a move that is sending shockwaves across the league. With his major league debut set for Tuesday night against the mighty New York Yankees, Burns isn’t just a fresh arm — he’s a potential game-changer.
From College Phenom to MLB Fast Track
Less than a year ago, Burns was dazzling scouts with his electric stuff at Tennessee and Wake Forest, rocketing up draft boards before being selected by the Reds with the second overall pick. Just 11 months later, he’s gone from college standout to the centerpiece of Cincinnati’s new-age pitching arsenal — and he’s doing it in record time.
After just 66 innings in the minors, where he dominated with a jaw-dropping 1.77 ERA, 89 strikeouts, and just 13 walks, the Reds decided they’d seen enough. Burns wasn’t just good — he was overwhelming. His high-velocity, high-spin fastball — averaging 97.8 mph with a towering 6.6-foot release point — has drawn direct comparisons to none other than Justin Verlander in his prime.
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The Verlander Comparison Is Real
Statistically, Burns’ fastball metrics are nearly a carbon copy of Verlander’s during his Cy Young-caliber seasons. While Verlander may have had a smoother delivery, Burns’ sheer explosiveness and unique arm angle make his approach equally terrifying — if not more unpredictable.
“There’s no one in the majors right now with this combination of power and vertical release,” one scout told Sports Illustrated. “He’s not just good — he’s built to dominate.”
A Star Is Born… On the Biggest Stage
Burns is set to debut against the New York Yankees, the most storied franchise in baseball — and arguably the hottest team in 2025. It’s a trial by fire, but if there’s one thing this young pitcher hasn’t shown, it’s fear.
At just 22 years and 159 days old, Burns becomes the youngest pitcher to make his debut against the Yankees since Ian Anderson stunned them in 2020. And like Anderson, Burns isn’t just here to survive — he’s here to take over.
Cincinnati’s Arsenal Just Got Dangerous
With the addition of Burns, the Reds now feature a rotation packed with high-ceiling young arms:
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Chase Petty (22)
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Rhett Lowder (23)
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Hunter Greene (25)
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Andrew Abbott (26)
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Nick Lodolo (27)
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Chase Burns (22)
Together, this group represents one of the most talented and dynamic young rotations in baseball — a blend of velocity, control, and upside that could anchor the franchise for the next decade.
With manager Terry Francona at the helm and elite pitching coach Derek Johnson guiding their development, the Reds may be building more than just a competitive team — they could be crafting a championship core.
The New Era Has Begun
In a league where elite young pitching is the most valuable currency, the Reds have gone from promising to potentially terrifying. Burns isn’t just another name — he could be the arm that redefines the timeline for a franchise on the rise.
For years, fans in Cincinnati have waited for a new generation to emerge. With Chase Burns joining an already explosive rotation, the wait may be over. The message to the rest of the league is clear: The Reds aren’t rebuilding — they’re arriving.
