What Happened to Chase David Burns?
Chase Burns is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB). Drafted second overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, he quickly ascended through the minor leagues to make his MLB debut in June 2025, and has established himself as a promising young starter in the 2026 season.
Quick Answer
Chase Burns is a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, known for his high-velocity fastball and impressive strikeout ability. After being drafted second overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, he made his highly anticipated MLB debut in June 2025. Following a brief injury stint and a return to the bullpen in late 2025, Burns has emerged as one of the National League's best pitchers in the 2026 season, boasting a 5-1 record and a 1.87 ERA through mid-May.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Naples, Italy
Chase David Burns was born in Naples, Italy.
Drafted by San Diego Padres (did not sign)
Burns was selected in the 20th round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres out of Beech Senior High School but chose not to sign, opting for college.
Freshman Year at University of Tennessee
He completed his freshman season with an 8-2 record and a 2.91 ERA, earning National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Freshman Pitcher of the Year honors.
Transfers to Wake Forest University
After two seasons at Tennessee, Burns transferred to Wake Forest University for his junior year.
Named ACC Pitcher of the Year
At Wake Forest, Burns had a dominant season, being named the ACC Pitcher of the Year and a Dick Howser Trophy Finalist.
Drafted 2nd Overall by Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds selected Chase Burns with the second overall pick in the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft.
Signs with Reds for Record Bonus
Burns signed with the Cincinnati Reds for $9.25 million, setting a new MLB signing bonus record.
Professional Debut with Dayton Dragons
He made his professional debut with the Dayton Dragons, the Reds' High-A affiliate, quickly advancing through the minor league system.
MLB Debut with Cincinnati Reds
Burns was promoted to the big leagues and made his MLB debut against the New York Yankees, striking out eight batters.
Suffers Right Elbow Flexor Strain
Burns landed on the injured list with a right elbow flexor strain, impacting the latter part of his rookie season.
Returns to Pitch from Bullpen
Upon his return from injury, Burns worked exclusively out of the bullpen for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Reds cautious with Burns' arm in Spring Training
Reports indicated the Reds were being cautious with Burns' arm movement during Spring Training, leading to speculation about his Opening Day roster status.
Dominant Scoreless Outing vs. Nationals
Burns delivered a strong performance, allowing only two hits over six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts in a 15-1 win against the Washington Nationals.
Current Status: Top NL Pitcher
As of today, Burns holds a 5-1 record with a 1.87 ERA through nine starts, establishing himself as one of the best young pitchers in the National League. He is scheduled to pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 20.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Chase David Burns, born on January 16, 2003, in Naples, Italy, quickly became a highly touted baseball prospect during his amateur career. He attended Beech Senior High School in Tennessee, where he was recognized as a First Team High School All-American in 2021. Despite being selected in the 20th round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres, Burns opted to attend college.
His collegiate journey began at the University of Tennessee, where he had a strong freshman year in 2022, earning Freshman Pitcher of the Year honors. After a challenging sophomore season in 2023, where he transitioned to a bullpen role to help the Volunteers reach the College World Series, Burns transferred to Wake Forest University for the 2024 season. At Wake Forest, he dominated, earning the ACC Pitcher of the Year award and becoming a Dick Howser Trophy Finalist, showcasing an electric arm capable of throwing over 100 mph.
Burns' impressive collegiate performance led the Cincinnati Reds to select him with the second overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. He signed with the Reds on July 18, 2024, for a record-breaking $9.25 million bonus. He began his professional career in the Reds' minor league system, making his debut with the Dayton Dragons on April 4, 2025, and swiftly advancing through Single-A and Double-A.
His rapid ascent culminated in his MLB debut on June 24, 2025, making him the first pitcher from the 2024 draft class to reach the majors. He impressed in his debut against the New York Yankees, striking out eight batters, including the first five. However, his rookie season was interrupted in August 2025 by a right elbow flexor strain, which saw him finish the year pitching out of the bullpen.
After a full offseason of rest, Burns was expected to re-enter the Cincinnati rotation for the 2026 season. As of May 19, 2026, he has lived up to expectations, establishing himself as one of the best pitchers in the National League. Through nine starts, he holds a 5-1 record with a stellar 1.87 ERA, allowing two runs or fewer in eight of his outings and demonstrating consistent ability to pitch deep into games. His performance has drawn praise from his manager, Terry Francona, who noted it's "fun to watch a good young pitcher get better."
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Chase David Burns made different choices?