The Cincinnati Reds are about to shake up Major League Baseball with the call-up of elite pitching prospect Chase Burns. He’s expected to make his MLB debut against the New York Yankees this Tuesday.
Burns, the #2 overall pick in the 2024 draft, is already considered one of the best young pitchers out there. Reds fans and fantasy baseball folks can’t stop talking about his rapid climb through the minors after an eye-opening season that put his talent and poise on full display.
Let’s take a look at Burns’ journey, his pitch mix, and what might be in store for his big league debut.
Who Is Chase Burns?
Chase Burns went second overall to the Cincinnati Reds in 2024, right after a stellar run at Wake Forest. His reputation as a strikeout machine and polished arm drew plenty of attention, and the Reds handed him the largest signing bonus in MLB draft history.
Even with all the hype, Burns didn’t pitch professionally in 2024. Instead, he took some time to recover from a heavy college workload and get his mind right for what was ahead.
A Meteoric Rise Through the Minor Leagues
Burns got his first taste of pro ball in 2025 at High-A Dayton. Some analysts were caught off guard—they figured he was ready for tougher competition.
Turns out, Burns was more than ready. He breezed through three starts before the Reds bumped him up to Double-A Chattanooga.
At Chattanooga, Burns started to show what he could really do. Over eight starts, the right-hander put up a wild 1.29 ERA, punched out 55 batters, and walked just four in 42 innings.
His command and knack for missing bats caught the Reds’ attention. They moved him up to Triple-A Louisville just two weeks ago.
The Numbers Behind Chase Burns’ Dominance
In his first 13 professional starts in 2025, Burns has been lights out. Check out these numbers:
- 1.29 ERA
- 66 innings pitched
- 89 strikeouts
- 13 walks
- 38 hits allowed
He’s kept runners off base, attacked the strike zone, and flat-out overpowered hitters at every stop. It’s wild how he’s managed this success across three different levels in just one year.
The Arsenal: Elite Tools and Pitch Variety
Chase Burns isn’t just a guy who throws hard. He’s got a legit arsenal.
His fastball sits in the high-90s and just overpowers hitters. The slider is nasty—a real swing-and-miss pitch when he needs it most.
He mixes in a changeup and a curveball, too, so he’s not just a two-pitch guy. That kind of variety keeps hitters guessing, and it’s a big reason the Reds feel good about him facing major league bats.
What to Expect in Burns’ MLB Debut Against the Yankees
Taking on the Yankees in your first MLB start? That’s a tall order. But Burns brings confidence and a surprising amount of experience for someone his age.
The Reds haven’t said what roster moves they’ll make to get him on the 40-man and 26-man, but his arrival says a lot about where they see their future heading. Expect Burns to show off all four pitches as he tries to work through that tough Yankees lineup.
Impact on the Reds’ Rotation
The Reds are fighting for a playoff spot in the always-tough National League Central. Bringing up Burns is a move for now and for down the road.
He can help the rotation right away and, who knows, maybe become a mainstay for years to come. Reds fans have every reason to be excited—this could be the beginning of something big.
Final Thoughts
Chase Burns isn’t just another prospect. He’s a natural-born ace in the making.
His rapid climb through High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A says a lot about his talent. The guy works hard and just seems to thrive when the pressure’s on.
Now, all eyes are on his MLB debut against the Yankees. That’s a tough team for your first start, right?
Can Burns live up to all this hype and kick off his big-league career with a strong showing? I guess we’ll find out Tuesday night.
Reds fans—this could be the start of something special in Cincinnati. I wouldn’t want to miss it.
Here is the source article for this story: Reds to call up top prospect Chase Burns against the Yankees
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