The Cincinnati Reds have officially called up Chase Burns, their No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, for his much-anticipated debut on June 24, against the powerhouse New York Yankees.
At just 22, Burns rocketed through the minor leagues–pitching in Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A–all in just 13 starts, compiling a dominant 7-3 record with a 1.77 ERA.
His recent stint at Triple-A Louisville yielded a 2.19 ERA over 12 1/3 innings, solidifying management’s confidence in his readiness. To make room on the roster, right-hander Yosver Zulueta was optioned back to Triple-A.
A Dream Debut
A native of Gallatin, Tennessee, Burns grew up idolizing the iconic Yankees–idolizing Derek Jeter himself. Fittingly, his first opponent will be the Bronx Bombers.
“I talked about it a lot. I wanted to move up quick and make an impact, but when it happens it’s surreal. Just the other day it felt like I was in Dayton and making my first start,” Burns shared.
“We’re trying to give ourselves every chance to win and be in this, and right now we feel like Chase gives us the best chance, and it’s time to go,” Reds GM Brad Meadow said.
The move signals not only confidence in Burns’s talent but also a willingness to trust youth in the midst of a tight playoff race. The Reds are betting big on their future, even under the bright lights of Yankee Stadium. Veteran skipper Terry Francona added reassurance:
“You can’t replicate your first game in the major leagues. It might be the most exciting day in your life, and don’t back away from that. But whatever happens tomorrow is not going to define his career.”
Arsenal & Performance in the Minors
Burns arrives with impressive stuff: a triple-digit fastball and an elite slider that’s missed half the bats in the minors. His minor-league line includes a 12.14 K/9 and an outstanding .167 opponents’ average–an elite combination for a rookie.
Reds pipeline analysts, including MLB Pipeline, have ranked him not only the team’s No. 1 prospect, but also No. 11 overall in baseball–a testament to his elite projection.
Burns’s first test comes against a formidable Yankees squad featuring Aaron Judge, recently celebrating his 28th homer, along with heavy hitters like Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, and Anthony Volpe.
Reality and Results
Burns didn’t disappoint. He struck out the side in the first inning, including slugger Aaron Judge, with a 99.3 mph heater and sharp sliders–a feat only one other Reds pitcher has ever done on debut. Incredibly, he fanned five of his first seven batters, marking the first time since 1961 a Reds starter has done so.
According to The Enquirer-Cincinnati, “Burns’ debut was over after 5.0 innings. He allowed six hits and three earned runs with eight strikeouts and no walks. He threw 81 pitches, 53 for strikes.”
Such a performance signals not just potential, but immediate impact–Burns silenced one of the toughest lineups in baseball on opening night.
“There’s going to be pressure in anything you do in life. That’s what my dad instilled in me. And, of course, being the No. 2 overall pick, you’re going to have a lot of pressure,” Burns said. “At the end of the day, you just have to have fun.”
His debut couldn’t come at a better time. With injuries sidelining Hunter Greene and Wade Miley, the Reds needed pitching stability in their playoff chase. Burns’s electric stuff and poise under pressure give Reds fans–and management–cause for real optimism.
“He’s a tremendous worker and he’s a passionate kid. When he’s on the mound, he’s about his business as I’ve taught him to be,” David Burns, Chase’s dad, said. “He’s going to compete at the highest level and give everything he’s got…Baseball’s a funny sport. He’s gotta stay locked in and do his job.”
If Burns continues on this path, he could anchor the Reds’ rotation for years, making his debut more than a moment–it could be the beginning of a franchise pivot.
Burns’s Unconventional Roots
Burns was born in Naples, Italy, on January 16, 2003, while his parents were stationed there with the U.S. Navy. Though his birthplace was Europe, Burns was raised in the U.S. where he began to hone his pitching skills and athletic ambitions.
His baseball journey started in earnest at Station Camp High School, before finishing at Beech Senior High in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Even early on, scouts were impressed by his velocity and composure. He famously touched triple-digits on the radar gun during high school showcases.
Burns’s path led him first to the University of Tennessee, and then to Wake Forest, where he exploded onto the national scene. At Wake Forest, Burns set the school’s single-season strikeout record with 191 Ks in 100 innings, earning ACC Pitcher of the Year honors and catching the attention of the Reds where he ended up signing a “record signing bonus of $9.25 million” in 2024.
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