CINCINNATI – In a bold move that signals a shift in their rebuilding strategy, the Cincinnati Reds officially signed college standout Chase Burns, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, to a record-breaking $9.25 million bonus on July 18, 2024, eclipsing the previous high mark set by Paul Skenes
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Burns arrived at Wake Forest in 2024 after two strong seasons at Tennessee, turning heads with a 10–1 record, a 2.70 ERA, and a staggering 191 strikeouts in 100 innings, earning ACC Pitcher of the Year honors and acclaim as a Golden Spikes Award finalist
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The Reds moved quickly to develop Burns, sending him to spring training in Goodyear, Arizona, where he began a structured progression—starting with instructional league work in fall 2024 to preserve his arm, then ramping up through 2025’s minor-league system
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Burns began the 2025 season in Single-A Dayton, quickly advancing to Double-A Chattanooga and then earning a promotion to Triple-A Louisville after dominating with his mid‑100s fastball, plus-slider, curveball, and changeup arsenal
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The culmination came on June 24, 2025, when Burns was called up to the majors to make his debut against the Yankees. He responded in electric fashion, striking out eight batters, allowing no walks, and becoming the first Reds starter since at least 1961 to punch out five consecutive batters to begin a debut, all across five innings
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Cincinnati’s front office sees Burns as the missing piece in a young, ascending rotation alongside Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Rhett Lowder. His record-setting bonus, rapid rise, and immediate impact suggest the Reds could have unearthed a future ace to build their next competitive team around.
