Chase Burns, a rising star in the Cincinnati Reds Pitcher rotation, has made a powerful impression in his first six Major League Baseball starts. Despite being new to the majors, Burns has already joined a historically elite group of pitchers by tallying over 45 strikeouts during this short span. His remarkable strikeout rate, despite a high ERA and a winless record, has Reds fans and MLB analysts buzzing about his potential.
In this in-depth look, we break down his performance, his place in MLB history, the significance of his debut, and what it means for the Reds’ future. This is more than just a good start—it’s a statement.
Chase Burns: Record-Breaking First Six Starts
In his first six career MLB starts, Chase Burns has recorded 45 strikeouts, making him only the 14th pitcher since 1901 to achieve this mark. While his ERA is currently over 6.00, and he’s yet to earn a win, Burns’ early strikeout totals place him in the company of all-time greats.
Notably, Burns has recorded 10 or more strikeouts in three of those six starts—a feat rarely seen by rookies, particularly in their debut month. The Reds haven’t seen this level of rookie strikeout production since Gary Nolan in the 1960s.
Game-by-Game Performance Breakdown
Below is a summary of Chase Burns’ first six MLB starts:
| Start # | Opponent | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | Earned Runs | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yankees | 6.0 | 8 | 3 | Loss |
| 2 | Cardinals | 5.1 | 6 | 4 | ND (No decision) |
| 3 | Braves | 4.2 | 7 | 6 | Loss |
| 4 | Red Sox | 3.0 | 4 | 7 | Loss |
| 5 | Dodgers | 5.2 | 10 | 3 | Loss |
| 6 | Nationals | 6.0 | 10 | 4 | ND |
Totals: 30.5 IP | 45 K | 27 ER | ERA: 6.44
These numbers are a mix of dominance and learning curves. The high strikeout rate shows his raw ability, while the high ERA reflects rookie inconsistency and occasional lack of control.
Who is Chase Burns?
Chase Burns was born in 2003 and grew up in Gallatin, Tennessee. He made waves in college baseball playing for the University of Tennessee before transferring to Wake Forest. There, he dominated hitters with one of the highest strikeout rates in NCAA Division I, prompting the Reds to draft him second overall in 2024.
At 6’4″, 215 pounds, Burns combines physical power with a mature pitching arsenal. His fastball regularly touches 99 mph, and his slider has proven to be a devastating strikeout pitch against both lefties and righties. His minor league success quickly fast-tracked his promotion to the Reds in 2025.
How Does He Compare to Other MLB Rookies?
Chase Burns joins a small list of pitchers who have recorded 45 or more strikeouts in their first six starts. The names on that list include:
- Kerry Wood
- Stephen Strasburg
- Hideo Nomo
- Masahiro Tanaka
- Mark Prior
- Felix Hernandez
- Paul Skenes
These players either went on to become All-Stars or, at minimum, had high-impact seasons early in their careers. Burns’ early inclusion in such a group is significant and suggests that with refinement, he could follow a similar trajectory.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Elite Strikeout Stuff: Burns is already missing bats at a level far beyond most rookies.
- Poise and Confidence: Even in rough outings, Burns has remained composed on the mound.
- High Velocity: With a fastball touching 99-100 mph, he overpowers hitters, especially early in games.
Areas to Improve
- Command: Walks and missed locations have led to high run totals.
- Pitch Efficiency: High pitch counts have limited his ability to work deep into games.
- Adaptability: Once hitters have seen him once or twice, he must vary his pitch selection and timing.
Reds Rotation Outlook: Building Around Burns
The Cincinnati Reds have struggled in recent years to develop and retain elite starting pitchers. With Hunter Greene already stepping into the role of staff ace, Chase Burns now offers another potential frontline starter.
Burns and Greene could form a dominant 1-2 punch if they continue to grow. The team’s front office sees this as the cornerstone of their rebuilding strategy—pairing power pitching with a young, developing lineup.
Fan Response and Market Buzz
Despite the ERA, Reds fans have quickly embraced Burns. His name trends regularly in fan forums and social media discussions, particularly after double-digit strikeout games. Ticket sales for his home starts have seen noticeable bumps, and merchandise demand is increasing.
Collectibles and Merchandise Guide
Chase Burns’ debut has created early demand for memorabilia and collectibles. Here’s a helpful table for fans and collectors:
| Item Description | Variant/Type | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Burns Rookie Card | Topps, Bowman Chrome | $75 – $200 |
| Signed Debut Game Baseball | Authenticated MLB | $150 – $300 |
| Autographed Reds Jersey (#26) | Authentic, Replica | $250 – $450 |
| Framed Strikeout Poster | 11×17, 18×24 sizes | $35 – $100 |
| Ticket Stub (Debut Game) | Printed/Framed | $20 – $75 |
Prices vary based on condition, edition, and authentication. Expect higher values if Burns continues to dominate.
What Comes Next for Burns?
Burns’ next few starts will be closely watched. Can he lower his ERA while maintaining elite strikeout numbers? If he shows improvement in command, it could mark the beginning of a breakout rookie campaign.
His goals for the second half of the season include:
- Lowering his ERA below 5.00
- Logging 6+ innings per outing
- Achieving his first career win
- Finishing the year with over 100 strikeouts
All are achievable if he builds on his current foundation and stays healthy.
Conclusion
Chase Burns has delivered one of the most memorable rookie stretches in Cincinnati Reds history. Though not perfect, his ability to generate swings and misses puts him in elite historical company. With time, coaching, and support, he could become one of the top strikeout pitchers in baseball.
For Reds fans, Burns represents hope. He is a pitcher who not only excites the eye test but also lights up the stat sheet—potentially heralding a new era of dominant Cincinnati pitching.
Stay tuned—this rookie is just getting started.
