Reds Pitcher Drawing Major Praise as Potential Breakout Star

High praise for the youngster!

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Cincinnati Reds prospect Chase Burns, a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher, is drawing major praise from MLB Network Radio's Mike Ferrin and Jim Duquette as a potential breakout star for the 2026 season. Burns, who was the Reds' second overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, dominated the minor leagues last season and forced his way onto the major league roster, where he made 13 appearances, including 8 starts, with a 4.10 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 68 innings.

Why it matters

The Reds are hoping that Burns can develop into a frontline starter for their rotation, and the high praise from respected MLB analysts suggests he has the potential to do so. If Burns can build on his promising rookie campaign, it would be a major boost for the Reds as they look to return to the playoffs.

The details

Burns is battling Brandon Williamson and Rhett Lowder for the fifth starter spot in the Reds' rotation this spring, and most Reds fans believe he has a slight edge heading into the season. While his numbers in his rookie season don't tell the whole story - he struggled in one start where it was believed he was tipping his pitches - the Reds are excited about his potential, with Ferrin and Duquette praising his "full-blown bulldog, go-after-you, 'I'm going to rip your heart out today' starter" mentality.

  • Burns was the Reds' second overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
  • In the first half of the 2025 season, Burns dominated the minor leagues and forced his way onto the Reds' major league roster.
  • In 2025, Burns appeared in 13 games for the Reds, including 8 starts, with a 4.10 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 68 innings.

The players

Chase Burns

A 23-year-old right-handed pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization who is considered a potential breakout star for the 2026 season.

Derek Johnson

The Cincinnati Reds' director of pitching.

Brandon Williamson

A pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization who is competing with Chase Burns for the fifth starter spot in the Reds' rotation this spring.

Rhett Lowder

A pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization who is competing with Chase Burns for the fifth starter spot in the Reds' rotation this spring.

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What they’re saying

“It's exciting to see. There are probably like five to six guys that have that kind of athleticism on the mound. It is so fun to watch because you feel like he can do anything out there.”

— Mike Ferrin and Jim Duquette, MLB Network Radio hosts (MLB Network Radio)

“He's full go, right at you. Like, let's go — here's my best stuff. If you can hit it, great. You're not going to hit it. That's the part of him I really love. He's a full-blown bulldog, go-after-you, 'I'm going to rip your heart out today' starter. It's fun to watch.”

— Mike Ferrin and Jim Duquette, MLB Network Radio hosts (MLB Network Radio)

What’s next

Burns is battling Brandon Williamson and Rhett Lowder for the fifth starter spot in the Reds' rotation this spring, and most Reds fans believe he has a slight edge heading into the season.

The takeaway

The high praise for Chase Burns from respected MLB analysts suggests the Reds may have a potential breakout star on their hands. If Burns can build on his promising rookie campaign and secure a spot in the Reds' rotation, it could be a major boost for the team as they look to return to the playoffs.