'It's surreal': Top prospect Burns to debut after meteoric rise through Minors

CINCINNATI – A little more than a year ago, Chase Burns was finishing his college career pitching at Wake Forest. Less than a year ago, the Reds made Burns the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 Draft.

And just like that, Burns is in the big leagues as of Monday, when he was added to Cincinnati's taxi squad. Tuesday comes the 22-year-old's big league debut after only 13 starts in the Minor Leagues.

“I talked about it a lot, of wanting to move up quick and make an impact. But when it actually happens and you’re actually here, it’s surreal," Burns said. "Just the other day, I felt like I was in [High-A] Dayton making my first professional start. Now I’m here. I’m excited.”

Burns, who is ranked by MLB Pipeline as Cincinnati's No. 1 prospect and No. 11 overall, made three starts with Dayton, followed by eight starts with Double-A Chattanooga and, finally, two starts with Triple-A Louisville. Overall, the right-hander had a 1.77 ERA with 12.14 strikeouts per nine innings.

Pro start No. 14 for Burns will happen in Cincinnati vs. the Yankees.

“It’s a historical team. I’m going against a great lineup," Burns said. "One of my favorite teams growing up. I loved Derek Jeter. To be able to go against them is awesome.”

Reds manager Terry Francona has seen his share of big league debuts and big-time prospects. Francona is also trying to keep his team in the playoff chase as the rotation is without ace Hunter Greene and Greene's replacement, Wade Miley, because of injuries.

“It’s exciting. There’s no getting around it," Francona said. “I think it sends a huge message. We’re trying to win. There’s no guarantees, but when everybody is on the same page pulling the same direction, it buoys you up a little bit.

“Whatever happens tomorrow is not going to define his career. If he throws seven shutout [innings], everyone’s going to have him in the Hall of Fame. And if he gives up four [runs] in three innings, everybody’s going to need to tell he needs to get sent down.”

Last year in August, the Reds called up 2023 seventh overall pick Rhett Lowder in the midst of his first pro season. Lowder, who had only 22 Minor League starts, also went to Wake Forest and was around Burns in Spring Training to offer advice.

Lowder, who is on the injured list and rehabbing a strained left oblique in Arizona, was generous again upon this week's news.

“He was one of the first couple of people to text me," Burns said. "He was like, ‘I told you it was going to happen. Don’t worry.’ He just kind of gave me some support where he just told me to be myself. So he’s been awesome.”

Beyond throwing over 100 mph and developing a changeup this season, Burns believed he was mentally built for the pressure of being a big leaguer.

“There’s going to be pressure in anything you do in life. That’s what my dad instilled in me," Burns said. "Of course, being the No. 2 overall pick, you have a lot of pressure. At the end of the day, it’s a game. You’ve got to go out there and have fun.”

Rotation mate Brady Singer, like Burns, was a highly anticipated prospect and former first-round pick of the Royals. Singer also understands the situation about to unfold for the prospect.

“I think controlling the adrenaline is the biggest part of tomorrow," Singer said. "It’s nice that he’s here today. I had that luxury, too. I got to figure everything out and see and get my bearings set and all that. Tomorrow is just going out there and doing what he does best. Pound the strike zone and understand he’s good enough to be here. His stuff plays here. Trust your stuff in the zone, that’s the biggest thing.

“Definitely take a second to focus and let it set in and enjoy the moment. Then go to work. We’ve got a game to win.”