Reds' Chase Burns' early-career MLB history hit hard by Angels

Cincinnati's second-year starter received a Cy Young award nod. Is it his time?

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:07am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion, with sharp planes of muted earth tones conveying the fluctuating fortunes of the young Reds star.A cubist interpretation of Reds pitcher Chase Burns' delivery, reflecting the ups and downs of his early-career MLB success.Cincinnati Today

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns, who established a modern era record by amassing at least nine strikeouts in five of his 10 starts of at least 6.0 innings, failed to add to his almost fabled early career outings in his latest start against the Los Angeles Angels. Burns, the second overall pick in the 2023 amateur draft, had a rough outing, walking several batters and giving up multiple runs, raising questions about whether he can claim the NL Cy Young award this season as some had predicted.

Why it matters

Chase Burns was considered a rising star in the MLB after his impressive start to the 2026 season, with some experts predicting he would win the NL Cy Young award. His poor outing against the Angels has now put that prediction in doubt, raising questions about whether he can maintain his early-career success and cement his status as the Reds' staff ace.

The details

In his first two starts of the season, Burns posted a 0.82 earned-run average and held opponents to a .154 batting average, compiling 16 strikeouts among 36 swing and misses. However, in his latest start against the Angels, his control issues led to multiple walks and runs allowed, including a two-run home run. Burns was relieved in the sixth inning after giving up four runs.

  • Burns debuted with the Reds on June 24, 2025, striking out the first three batters he faced.
  • After his opening two starts this season, ESPN's Jeff Passen declared Burns will claim the NL Cy Young award.
  • Burns' troubles started in the second inning on April 11, 2026, when he walked Yoan Moncada and yielded consecutive singles.

The players

Chase Burns

A second-year starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who was the second overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft. He established a modern era record by amassing at least nine strikeouts in five of his first 10 starts of at least 6.0 innings.

Jeff Passen

An ESPN analyst who declared that Burns will claim the NL Cy Young award this season due to his elite pitch movement and velocity.

Yoan Moncada

An Angels player who drew a walk against Burns in the second inning of the April 11, 2026 game.

Josh Lowe

An Angels player who singled against Burns in the second inning of the April 11, 2026 game.

Logan O'Hoppe

An Angels player who singled against Burns in the second inning of the April 11, 2026 game.

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What they’re saying

“This is Burns' time.”

— Jeff Passen, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

Burns will look to rebound in his next start as the Reds aim to keep pace in the NL Central division race.

The takeaway

Chase Burns' early-career success had many experts predicting he would win the NL Cy Young award this season, but his poor outing against the Angels has raised questions about whether he can maintain that level of dominance. The Reds will need Burns to regain his form if they want to contend for a playoff spot.