The Cincinnati Reds made a decision on right-hander Chase Burns at spring training.
The Cincinnati Reds appear ready to give one of their most exciting young arms a major role to begin the season.
Chase Burns, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, has moved quickly through the organization since being selected. After dominating the minors, Burns earned a call‑up last season in June and immediately showed flashes of the electric talent that made him one of the top pitching prospects in baseball.
As the Reds finalize their pitching staff ahead of Opening Day, the team faced a complicated decision regarding how Burns would fit into the rotation. Cincinnati suddenly has a surplus of starting options, and with several young arms competing for limited spots, the situation remained unsettled deep into camp.
That picture became clearer as roster decisions began to take shape. “Burns, Lowder and Williamson all made the team. Six for five spots. They are all starters,” reported Charlie Goldsmith of FOX19.
The update confirms the Reds will carry six starting pitchers to open the year, leaving Burns firmly in the mix for rotation innings.
Burns’ rise has been remarkably fast. Despite making just 13 minor league starts, he dominated with a 1.77 ERA, convincing the organization he was ready for the next level.
Last season he made 13 appearances in the majors and finished with a 4.57 ERA. While the results were inconsistent, his raw stuff stood out immediately. Burns struck out 67 batters in just 43 1/3 innings, showcasing his elite swing‑and‑miss ability.
Late in the season, the Reds shifted Burns to the bullpen in September. The move was largely precautionary, as he dealt with a Grade 1 right elbow flexor strain and the team wanted to manage his innings. In relief, he served as a high‑velocity weapon while continuing his development.
This spring has been somewhat inconsistent. Burns has posted a 4.50 ERA across four starts, though his ability to miss bats remains clear with 13 strikeouts in 10 innings.
His opportunity to open the season in the rotation also comes as the Reds deal with a significant injury. Right-handed ace Hunter Greene is expected to miss time until July after undergoing surgery to remove bone chips and loose bodies from his right elbow.
With Greene sidelined, Cincinnati’s six‑man approach gives Burns a clear chance to prove himself.
Although no spot appears fully secure, the Reds remain confident in Burns long‑term potential. With a triple‑digit fastball, the 23-year-old is widely viewed as a future frontline starter who could eventually pair with Greene at the top of Cincinnati’s rotation. Fortunately for Burns, he will get another shot in 2026 as Opening Day approaches.