Chase Burns has been the story of Cincinnati Reds spring training camp. The former No. 2 overall pick has made the leap from top prospect to Opening Day roster member in under two years. A minor range of motion scare in mid-March was handled with caution — manager Terry Francona said they were 'nipping it in the bud' — but Burns insists he feels totally healthy and strong. With Hunter Greene out until July, Burns has the chance to establish himself as the future of the Reds' rotation this spring.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Burns' fastball is averaging 97.4 mph with a 41% whiff rate this spring. His slider at 90.2 mph has been virtually unhittable, generating a staggering 75% whiff rate. He's made the Opening Day roster and will pitch in a tandem role with Rhett Lowder and Brandon Williamson.
Spring training stats should always be taken with a grain of salt — small sample sizes, inconsistent competition levels, and pitchers still building up arm strength all factor in. But the eye test matches the numbers for Chase Burns, and the coaching staff has taken notice.
What It Means for 2026
If Chase Burns continues on this trajectory, it could reshape how the Cincinnati Reds construct their roster for the regular season. A strong spring doesn't guarantee anything, but it opens doors that may have been closed entering camp. The front office made it clear coming into spring that every roster spot would be earned, and Chase Burns has been doing exactly that.
The Road Ahead
With the regular season opener set for March 26, Chase Burns has a few more games to make a final impression. Whether that means a spot on the Opening Day roster, a key bench role, or simply building momentum for a mid-season call-up, the Cincinnati Reds have reason to be excited about what they've seen this spring. This is the kind of development that turns a good spring training into a great one.
