Reds Call Up Top Prospect Chase Burns for MLB Debut

The Cincinnati Reds are elevating pitching prospect Chase Burns straight from Triple-A to make his major league debut, a move that underscores the team’s current needs. This marks a rapid ascent for the young right-hander.

Burns’s Meteoric Rise

The Reds are poised to bring up pitching prospect Chase Burns from Triple-A Louisville, according to reports. His first start will be against the Yankees on Tuesday. Burns, 22, was chosen as the second overall pick in the previous year’s draft. He had a stellar college season with Wake Forest, where he went 10-1, striking out 191 batters over 100 innings, and achieved a 2.70 ERA. Prior to 2025, he was widely considered the Reds’ top prospect and a top-50 prospect overall. In his first 13 professional starts, Burns has elevated his reputation even further.

The Reds are planning to select top pitching prospect Chase Burns from Triple-A Louisville, reports @ctrent. He will start against the Yankees on Tuesday in his MLB debut.

— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) June 21, 2025

Burns boasts a fastball that can reach triple digits and a slider that’s considered one of the best in the minor leagues. In his time across High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, he has posted a 1.77 ERA, a 36.8% strikeout rate, and a 6.85 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

“This might seem like an aggressive promotion, but Burns has done everything in his power to earn the opportunity.”

—Unnamed Source, Baseball Insider

As of June 2024, the MLB average ERA is 4.03, showing that pitching is very important (MLB Stats). This move highlights how the Reds are trying to improve their pitching staff.

Rotation Challenges and Roster Moves

The Reds are facing some pitching depth issues. Wade Miley was placed on the IL following three appearances. Joining him on the IL are Hunter Greene, Carson Spiers, Rhett Lowder, Julian Aguiar, and Brandon Williamson, all of whom have been out all season. To add to their struggles, Nick Martinez has been struggling badly this month, and Chase Petty, recently recalled, has been on the losing end of all three games he’s pitched in. The team will need to open spots on the active and 40-man rosters for Burns before his debut.

With the major league rotation facing challenges, and Burns performing well in the minors, the Reds will give their top prospect his chance in the majors. The promotion occurs less than a year after drafting him.