Top Prospect Chase Burns Anticipates MLB Debut vs. Yankees

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    CINCINNATI — As a child, Chase Burns always envisioned himself playing for the New York Yankees. Now, he’s set to face them in what marks his major league debut.

    The 22-year-old will step onto the mound for the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night, nearly a year after being chosen as the second pick in the 2024 amateur draft. “Growing up, Derek Jeter was my idol, and I aspired to play shortstop for the Yankees. However, I’m thrilled to wear the Reds uniform,” Burns stated on Monday, ahead of Cincinnati’s three-game series against the Yankees.

    Before being deemed ready for the big leagues, the right-hander boasted a 7-3 record with a 1.77 ERA across 13 starts, moving up from Class-A Dayton to Double-A Chattanooga, and finally to Triple-A Louisville. On Monday, he was moved to the taxi squad and is expected to join the active roster in time for Tuesday’s game.

    “I often talked about quickly climbing the ranks and making an impact, but actually realizing that dream is surreal. It feels like just yesterday I was starting in Dayton,” expressed Burns.

    Burns will become the fifth first-round pick from last year’s draft to enter the majors, joining the ranks of Oakland Athletics’ Nick Kurtz, Kansas City Royals’ Jac Caglianone, Los Angeles Angels’ Christian Moore, and Houston Astros’ Cam Smith. Both Burns and Kurtz share a background at Wake Forest.

    Known for his blistering fastball averaging 97 mph, Burns also wields a formidable slider and has significantly enhanced his changeup. His stats are impressive, leading full-season minor league pitchers with a 0.77 WHIP, ranking fifth in ERA, and hitting sixth in strikeouts with 89, alongside opponents batting a meager .167 against him.

    “He’s an electrifying presence on the mound with commanding velocity and sharp off-speed pitches,” remarked Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott. “With his right mindset and preparation, he’s definitely ready for the majors.”

    Making one’s debut in the major leagues is no small feat, and doing so against a top-tier team like the Yankees ups the ante. Among the foes Burns will confront is Yankees powerhouse Aaron Judge, who secured his 28th home run on Monday night.

    Burns, however, is maintaining his composure ahead of his big game. “I’m aware of the formidable challenge, but embracing the moment is key,” said Burns. “Pressure is inevitable in life, and being the second overall pick adds to that. Ultimately, it’s about having fun,” he shared.

    According to the statistical database of baseball-reference.com, Burns will be the 58th starting pitcher since 1961 to debut against the Yankees. Past notables include Luis Tiant, Blake Snell, Jacob deGrom, David Wells, and Jake Peavy.

    Reds manager Terry Francona remains unfazed by the challenge Burns faces in his debut. “We can’t let the storied history affect us. We focus on what needs to be done, not outside opinions,” said Francona. “A major league debut is momentous. How he performs tomorrow won’t define his career. Whether he shines or struggles, the goal is for him to show his true self on the field.”

    The Reds, currently at a 41-38 record, clinched the first matchup of the series with a 6-1 victory on Monday night. They have been on a hot streak, winning 11 of their last 16 games, now closing in on the NL wild-card spot.

    With a strong 12-8 run in June, Cincinnati is tied for the third-best record in the NL. Burns’ promotion and the decision to designate higher-paid infielder Jeimer Candelario for assignment signal the Reds’ intent to pursue a postseason berth in Francona’s inaugural year as manager.

    “The decision to elevate Burns showcases management’s belief in his ability to deliver results now,” said outfielder Gavin Lux, who contributed a home run to Monday’s win. “It’s invigorating to see this devotion and mutual trust, and together, we’re starting to build real momentum.”