Key Position Battle Unsettled for Reds as Spring Training Begins

Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder competing for the Reds' No. 5 starter spot

Feb. 23, 2026 at 1:36pm

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The Cincinnati Reds have most of their roster figured out, but the No. 5 starter spot in their rotation remains wide open. Two Wake Forest alumni, Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder, are battling it out for the final spot in the Reds' starting rotation as spring training gets underway.

Why it matters

The Reds' starting rotation is a key part of their team, and the No. 5 starter spot could have a big impact on their success this season. Both Burns and Lowder are highly touted prospects, so this competition will be closely watched as the Reds look to solidify their pitching staff.

The details

Burns and Lowder both had impressive minor league seasons in 2024 and 2025, with Lowder making his MLB debut late last year. In their first spring training game, the two combined for four innings, allowing two hits, one run, and four walks while striking out six. While Lowder has impressed with his quick rise through the minors, Burns is considered the better prospect and the favorite to win the No. 5 starter job. However, both young pitchers are expected to get opportunities with the Reds this season, and the competition could continue into the regular season.

  • The Reds' first spring training game was on February 21, 2026.
  • Lowder made his MLB debut late in the 2025 season.

The players

Chase Burns

A highly touted pitching prospect in the Reds' system, considered the best pitching prospect in baseball.

Rhett Lowder

A Wake Forest alumnus who flew through the Reds' minor league system in 2024 and made his MLB debut late that year.

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What they’re saying

“The one battle I'm arguably most excited to watch this spring is the fight for the fifth spot in the Reds' rotation. The group of players fighting for this role is diverse, exciting, and very talented, which should make this a tight race up until Opening Day.”

— Jay Staph, Just Baseball writer

“For starters, Lowder flew through the minor leagues during his first full season in 2024, earning his big league debut before the end of the year. In the 30.2 innings he pitched for the Reds, Lowder looked quite sharp, posting a 1.17 ERA with 22 strikeouts along the way.”

— Jay Staph, Just Baseball writer

What’s next

The competition between Burns and Lowder for the Reds' No. 5 starter spot is expected to continue throughout spring training, with the decision likely coming right before Opening Day.

The takeaway

The battle for the Reds' fifth starter spot is a prime example of the team's impressive pitching depth, with two highly touted prospects competing for the final rotation spot. Whichever pitcher wins the job will have a chance to make a big impact on the Reds' season, and both Burns and Lowder are expected to contribute to the team's pitching staff in 2026.