Chase Burns: Rising Star for the Cincinnati Reds

Chase Burns, a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher, is quickly becoming a key player for the Cincinnati Reds. Drafted second overall in the 2024 MLB draft, Burns made his Major League Baseball debut on June 24, 2025 and is poised for a promising career.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Born on January 16, 2003, in Naples, Italy, Chase David Burns spent his formative years in Gallatin, Tennessee. He initially attended Station Camp High School before transferring to Beech Senior High School prior to his senior year. Despite being selected in the 20th round of the 2021 MLB draft by the San Diego Padres, Burns opted not to sign and instead pursued collegiate baseball.

College Baseball Success

Burns began his college career at the University of Tennessee, quickly establishing himself as a starting pitcher. In his freshman season, he achieved an impressive 8-2 record with a 2.91 ERA, striking out 103 batters in 81 ⅓ innings pitched. His performance earned him the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Freshman Pitcher of the Year award.

During his sophomore season at Tennessee, Burns transitioned to a relief role after initially struggling as a starter with a 2-3 record and a 6.10 ERA. Yet, he excelled in postseason play, allowing only one run and recording 22 strikeouts over 16 innings, including a standout performance in the 2023 Men’s College World Series where he threw six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts against Stanford. He finished the season with a 5-3 record, two saves, a 4.25 ERA, and 114 strikeouts in 72 innings.

Professional Career with the Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds selected Burns with the second overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2025. As of the end of the 2025 season, Burns has a 0-3 win-loss record and a 4.57 ERA, with 67 strikeouts.

Recent Spring Training Performance

As the Cincinnati Reds finalize their roster for Opening Day, Burns is a key part of their spring training schedule. On Tuesday, March 18, 2026, he is slated to start against the Los Angeles Angels in Tempe, Arizona, even as the Reds simultaneously host the Colorado Rockies in Goodyear, Arizona. Brady Singer will start for the team playing in Goodyear.

Key Stats (Through 2025 Season)

• Win-Loss Record: 0-3
• Earned Run Average: 4.57
• Strikeouts: 67

Chase Burns represents a significant investment in the future for the Cincinnati Reds, and fans are eager to see his continued development as a major league pitcher.