Reds' Chase Burns One Improvement Away From Stardom, Says Francona

Reds manager Terry Francona believes young pitcher Chase Burns has the talent to be an ace, but needs to improve his consistency.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:20am

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The Cincinnati Reds have been hit with a major blow as starting pitcher Hunter Greene will undergo elbow surgery and miss the first half of the season. However, the team is excited about the potential of another young pitcher, Chase Burns, who Reds manager Terry Francona believes is just one improvement away from becoming a bona fide star. Burns has shown flashes of brilliance this spring, but recently struggled in a start, surrendering four runs in 3 2/3 innings. Francona attributed this to Burns falling behind in the count, saying that when he works ahead, he's "practically untouchable." With Greene out, the Reds will be relying heavily on Burns and fellow prospect Rhett Lowder to step up in the rotation.

Why it matters

The Reds' pitching staff was expected to be one of the team's strengths this season, but the loss of Hunter Greene is a significant setback. Chase Burns' development will be crucial as the Reds try to remain in playoff contention without their top starter. If Burns can take that next step and become more consistent, he could help offset Greene's absence and give the Reds a formidable 1-2 punch at the top of their rotation.

The details

Chase Burns has been throwing well for most of the spring, but in his most recent start on Sunday, he struggled, giving up four hits, four earned runs, and a home run in 3 2/3 innings. Reds manager Terry Francona said the issue was that Burns fell behind in the count, forcing him to work more of the middle of the strike zone and leaving his triple-digit fastball and slider more hittable. However, Francona believes that when Burns is ahead in the count, he's "practically untouchable." The Reds skipper thinks that with a bit more consistency and execution, Burns is poised to take that next step and become a star on the mound.

  • On Sunday, March 10, 2026, Chase Burns struggled in his latest spring training start.
  • Hunter Greene is expected to be out until July as he undergoes elbow surgery.

The players

Terry Francona

The manager of the Cincinnati Reds, who believes Chase Burns is close to becoming a star pitcher.

Chase Burns

A young Reds pitcher with the potential to be an ace, but who needs to improve his consistency, according to Francona.

Hunter Greene

The Reds' top starting pitcher who will miss the first half of the season due to elbow surgery.

Rhett Lowder

Another Reds pitching prospect who will be relied upon heavily in the rotation with Greene's injury.

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What they’re saying

“When he worked ahead, he was just fine. When he worked from behind (in the count), he gave up damage. That's been the message the entire time from our pitching guys. He's a pup. The stuff is there. He understands it. As the execution continues to improve, you'll see those good innings.”

— Terry Francona, Manager

What’s next

The Reds will be closely monitoring Chase Burns' progress and consistency as he takes on a larger role in the rotation with Hunter Greene sidelined. The team is hopeful that with more experience and refinement, Burns can take that next step and become a dominant starter.

The takeaway

The loss of Hunter Greene is a significant blow to the Reds' pitching staff, but the emergence of Chase Burns as a potential ace could help offset that setback. If Burns can improve his consistency and execution, he has the talent to become a star, which would be a major boost for the Reds as they push for a playoff spot this season.