Former Top Draft Picks Duel as Reds, Rangers Wrap Series

Cincinnati's Chase Burns looks to build on strong start against Texas' Jack Leiter

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:05pm

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The Cincinnati Reds and Texas Rangers will wrap up their series on Sunday, featuring a matchup between two former top draft picks - the Reds' Chase Burns and the Rangers' Jack Leiter. Burns, the No. 2 overall pick in 2024, is coming off a strong first start of the season, while Leiter, the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, looks to continue his success against the Reds.

Why it matters

This game showcases the potential of two highly touted young pitchers, providing an early-season glimpse into the future of the Reds and Rangers franchises. The outcome could impact the standings in the competitive NL Central and AL West divisions.

The details

Burns, 23, took a no-hitter into the fifth inning in his first start, going 5 innings with 1 hit, 3 walks, and 7 strikeouts in a 2-0 win over the Pirates. Leiter, 25, is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA after beating the Orioles in his first start, impressing with his elite changeup. The Reds are struggling offensively as a team, but Sal Stewart has gotten off to a hot start, while the Rangers' young sluggers like Wyatt Langford and Josh Jung are still finding their rhythm.

  • Burns will make his second start of the season on Sunday, April 9th.
  • Leiter faced the Reds last April, allowing 1 hit over 5 scoreless innings.

The players

Chase Burns

A 23-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, who was the 2nd overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Jack Leiter

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Texas Rangers, who was the 2nd overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft.

Sal Stewart

An outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds who is off to a hot start, batting .407 on the season.

Elly De La Cruz

A star player for the Cincinnati Reds who is struggling early, batting .219 with 13 strikeouts.

Wyatt Langford

A young hitter for the Texas Rangers who is off to a slow start, batting .167 with 10 strikeouts.

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What they’re saying

“I have said probably a million times, if he works ahead, and he will get better at it, it gets very exciting. Our plan this spring was to get him in position to make these starts. We want him to make every start and pitch a lot. His future is bright, but I think the present will be OK, too.”

— Terry Francona, Reds Manager

“The changeup was elite. Righty, lefty didn't really matter. It just seemed like a carryover from his last start last year. And I think this is who he's going to be. You are going to see more of this version of Jack throughout the year.”

— Skip Schumaker, Rangers Manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This matchup between two top draft picks showcases the bright futures of the Reds and Rangers, as they look to develop their young pitching talent and build competitive rosters for the years ahead.