All eyes in Cincinnati will be on Great American Ball Park Tuesday night as top pitching prospect Chase Burns steps onto a Major League mound for the very first time. His opponent? The iconic New York Yankees.
For Burns, the moment carries an extra layer of significance. Growing up, the 22-year-old right-hander actually dreamed of playing for the Yankees, specifically wanting to emulate Derek Jeter at shortstop. While he’s now proudly donning a Reds uniform, the stage for his MLB debut couldn’t be more fittingly dramatic.
Rapid Rise to the Big Leagues
Less than a year after being selected second overall in the 2024 MLB amateur draft, Burns has rocketed through the Cincinnati Reds minor league system. He dominated across three levels – Class-A Dayton, Double-A Chattanooga, and Triple-A Louisville – making just 13 starts before Reds management deemed him ready for the show.
His minor league numbers were eye-popping, highlighted by a 7-3 record and a sparkling 1.77 ERA. Burns led all full-season minor league pitchers with an elite 0.77 WHIP (Walks + Hits per Innings Pitched) and ranked among the top minor league arms in ERA (fifth), strikeouts (sixth with 89), and opponent batting average (tied for sixth at .167). These stats underscore his exceptional command and ability to limit base runners.
An Electric Pitching Arsenal
Burns’ primary weapon is his electric fastball, which consistently sits at 97 mph and frequently touches triple digits, overwhelming minor league hitters. He complements this with an above-average slider and has worked to improve his changeup, giving him a solid three-pitch mix ready for the majors.
Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott described Burns as “electric on the mound” with great stuff and the “right makeup and mentality” to succeed.
Facing the Pressure of a Yankees Debut
Making a big league debut inherently brings pressure, but facing the powerful New York Yankees lineup takes it to another level. Burns will likely face sluggers like Aaron Judge, who recently hit his 28th home run, early in the game.
Despite the daunting task, Burns is focused on managing the moment. “I know he’s there,” Burns said of Judge. “Just enjoy the moment.” He credits his father for instilling in him that “there’s going to be pressure in anything you do in life.” As the No. 2 overall pick, he acknowledges the added expectation but emphasizes, “At the end of the day, you just have to have fun.”
Historically, Burns joins a list of 57 other starting pitchers since 1961 who made their debut against the Yankees, a group that includes notable names such as Luis Tiant, Blake Snell, Jacob deGrom, David Wells, and Jake Peavy, according to baseball-reference.com.
Francona Unfazed by Yankees ‘Mystique’
Reds manager Terry Francona expressed full confidence in his young hurler and dismissed concerns about the perceived “mystique” of the Bronx Bombers.
“I don’t think you give a (darn) about the mystique,” Francona stated. “We don’t make decisions because of that. That’s maybe for social media, not for what we’re doing.”
Francona knows the debut is special but wants Burns to remain grounded. “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,” he advised. However, he stressed, “Whatever happens tomorrow is not going to define his career.” Francona’s simple message to Burns: “Just be who you are and let’s see if they can hit you.”
Adding to Reds Momentum
Burns’ promotion signals the Reds’ belief in their current squad and their push for the postseason in Francona’s first year at the helm. The team entered Tuesday’s game with a 41-38 record, having won 11 of their last 16 contests to climb within two games of the final NL wild-card spot. Their 12-8 record in June ties them for the third-best mark in the National League.
Recent performances have highlighted the Reds’ potential, including Elly De La Cruz’s standout night (homer, triple, 3 RBI) in Monday’s 6-1 win over the Yankees and Andrew Abbott’s seven dominant innings in Sunday’s victory against the Cardinals that averted a sweep.
The decision to bring up Burns now, alongside moves like designating infielder Jeimer Candelario for assignment, underscores the front office’s commitment to winning now. Outfielder Gavin Lux noted that seeing Burns, an “extremely talented player that everyone can see can help us win now,” get the call-up reinforces the team’s belief in themselves. “Guys are pulling for each other and we’re starting to gain some momentum,” Lux added.
As Chase Burns toes the rubber against the team he once dreamed of playing for, his highly anticipated debut marks a pivotal moment for both the young pitcher and the surging Cincinnati Reds.
