The Cincinnati Reds have secured a cornerstone for their pitching rotation, reaching an agreement with breakout right-hander Chase Burns on a seven-year, $105 million contract extension. The deal, which runs through the 2033 season, represents a historic financial commitment for the franchise and a precedent-setting move within Major League Baseball. According to reports, the contract includes no options or deferrals. The extension begins next season and effectively buys out two years of free agency for Burns, who was previously under club control through 2031.
A Record-Breaking Agreement
The $105 million guarantee is the largest contract ever signed by a pitcher with fewer than four years of major league service. The deal ties Homer Bailey for the largest pitching contract in Cincinnati Reds history. While the organization has previously invested in young talent—notably signing pitcher Hunter Greene to an extension in 2023—the Burns deal stands out as a rare, long-term commitment to a pitcher at such an early stage of his career. Negotiated by Greg Genske and Erik Castro of Vayner Sports, the extension cements Burns’ status as a foundational piece of the Reds’ future. In franchise history, the total value trails only the contracts of Joey Votto and Ken Griffey Jr.
Rapid Rise to Stardom
Selected by the Reds with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Wake Forest, Burns has enjoyed a swift ascent to the major leagues. He made his debut on June 24, 2025, and displayed immediate potential, finishing his rookie campaign with a 4.57 ERA and a 35.6% strikeout rate. In his first full season in 2026, the 23-year-old has emerged as one of the most dominant arms in the game. Entering the All-Star break, Burns posted an 11-1 record with a 2.54 ERA over 102 2/3 innings. His performance earned him his first career All-Star selection, though he did not appear in the game due to a tight groin. Among MLB pitchers in 2026, Burns ranks in the top five in WAR (4.2) and is widely considered a front-runner for the National League Cy Young award.
Arsenal and Pitching Profile
Standing 6’3″ and 210 pounds, Burns possesses a prototypical starter’s frame and a high-velocity arsenal. He has averaged 97.8 mph on his four-seam fastball this season, pairing it with a slider that sits at 90.5 mph. The slider has been particularly effective, generating a 51.2% whiff rate, with opponents hitting just .154 against the pitch. Statistically, Burns has stifled opposing hitters by limiting consistent contact. His 14.1% swinging-strike rate is three percentage points above the league average, and opponents have chased nearly 34% of his pitches outside the strike zone. While he is a fly-ball pitcher in a homer-friendly park, he has successfully managed contact, surrendering an average of 1.05 homers per nine innings this season.
Building a Rotation for the Future
The extension pairs Burns with Hunter Greene, forming an imposing one-two punch at the top of the Cincinnati rotation. With both pitchers under contract through at least 2029, the Reds have established a clear path forward for their pitching staff. The organization also maintains a supporting cast of controllable arms, including Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder, and Chase Petty. Despite the team’s current struggles—sitting nine games under .500—the decision to lock up Burns signals a long-term commitment to sustained competitiveness. Following the break, Burns is expected to return to the mound on Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners.
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