MLB analyst spotlights Reds' Chase Burns as one to watch in Spring Training

The hard-throwing righty could be a breakout candidate this upcoming season.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cincinnati Reds' young pitcher Chase Burns is someone the team has been excited about for some time now. The hard-throwing righty was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 2021 MLB Draft, but decided to forgo that offer and play at the University of Tennessee, where he would go on to make a bigger name for himself. After moving to the bullpen during his sophomore season, Burns transferred to Wake Forest, where he would set a school record with 191 strikeouts in a single season. Shortly after, he would be selected by the Reds in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft. MLB.com's David Adler spotlights him in his list of 'must-watch' pitchers this spring, saying Burns is a big 2026 breakout candidate in Cincinnati.

Why it matters

The Reds are hoping that Burns and fellow young pitcher Hunter Greene can form a formidable one-two punch in their starting rotation, which could help the team compete for a division title in 2026. Burns' development will be crucial to the Reds' success this season.

The details

Burns made his MLB debut for the Reds in late June 2025, though he struggled a bit. However, Adler notes that Burns has "a lethal fastball-slider combo, with his heater often reaching triple digits and his slider sitting in the low 90s and getting whiffs on nearly half the swings against it." If Burns can put everything together, he could have a huge breakout season in 2026.

  • Burns was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 2021 MLB Draft, but decided to forgo that offer and play at the University of Tennessee.
  • Burns transferred to Wake Forest, where he would set a school record with 191 strikeouts in a single season.
  • Burns was selected by the Reds in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
  • Burns made his MLB debut for the Reds in late June 2025.

The players

Chase Burns

A hard-throwing right-handed pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization who is considered a breakout candidate for the 2026 season.

Hunter Greene

A young pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization who, along with Chase Burns, could form a formidable one-two punch in the Reds' starting rotation.

David Adler

An MLB analyst who has spotlighted Chase Burns as a pitcher to watch in Spring Training this year.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Burns is a big 2026 breakout candidate in Cincinnati. He's just electric. The right-hander might've had a rocky rookie season, but he's already striking out the work. The 23-year-old has a lethal fastball-slider combo, with his heater often reaching triple digits and his slider sitting in the low 90s and getting whiffs on nearly half the swings against it. Between him and Hunter Greene, the Reds could have one of the most overpowering duos in the Majors.”

— David Adler, MLB Analyst (MLB.com)

What’s next

The Reds will need Chase Burns and Hunter Greene to be at their best all season long if they want a chance to fight for a division title later this year.

The takeaway

The development of young pitchers like Chase Burns will be crucial to the Cincinnati Reds' success in the 2026 season. If Burns can put everything together and live up to his potential, he and fellow prospect Hunter Greene could form a formidable one-two punch that could help the Reds compete for a division title.