Reds FeedChase Burns
P · Age 23 · Bats Right · Throws Right
Where things stand
Chase Burns anchors the Cincinnati Reds' rotation heading into 2027, though the team faces significant depth concerns with Hunter Greene out and Brady Singer in free agency. Burns has emerged as an ace and is positioned as a major award candidate alongside teammates Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart. The Reds' front office acknowledged that Burns and the young pitching staff have struggled with command and walk rates, prompting the organization to seek an external pitching coach after Derek Johnson's departure. Cincinnati's ability to build a competitive roster around Burns and its other young stars will be critical to whether the franchise can contend in the coming season.
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2026 season
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Chase Burns coverage
Elly, Chase, and Expectations – Part 3
This article examines five historical teams that had young star players similar to the 2026 Reds' Elly De La Cruz and Chase Burns to assess how well front offices prepared for their breakout seasons. The 2019 White Sox, 2008 White Sox, 2001 Astros, and 2009 Dodgers all successfully built supporting rosters around their young talent by making strategic additions and addressing roster weaknesses, while the 2000 Brewers failed to commit fully to competing and languished in mediocrity for years afterward. The article suggests that recognizing young talent is only part of the equation—teams must actively construct competitive rosters with sufficient depth to capitalize on unexpected breakout performances.
Red ReporterSonny Gray’s plans give the Reds an exciting rotation opportunity (but there's a catch)
The Cincinnati Reds need starting pitching depth with Hunter Greene out for 2027 and Brady Singer in free agency, leaving only Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo as established starters. Sonny Gray, who recently confirmed he wants to pitch in 2027 after considering retirement, could be an option on a one-year deal; the 36-year-old posted a 2.72 ERA over 29 starts this season. However, Gray has expressed discomfort pitching in major markets like New York and Boston, which limits his options if he prioritizes winning, potentially making Cincinnati a viable destination if other contenders pass.
Blog Red MachineElly, Chase, and Expectations – Part 1
The article explores how baseball teams build winning rosters using a mathematical framework centered on Wins Above Replacement (WAR). The author examines Cincinnati Reds fans' frustration that stars Elly De La Cruz and Chase Burns haven't produced better team results despite their individual excellence. Using nearly 900 data points from 1996 to present, the author applies conditional probability analysis to understand the relationship between star players and team success, finding that having one great player doesn't guarantee winning—26 teams since 1996 had losing records despite having a player with 8+ WAR. The analysis suggests that team construction involves complex interactions beyond just acquiring individual talent.
Red ReporterASCENT: Cincinnati Reds’ Elly De La Cruz WILL Make All-MLB Team
Elly De La Cruz is positioned to earn his first All-MLB selection after delivering an elite shortstop season, while pitching prospects Sal Stewart and Chase Burns emerge as major award candidates. The episode examines the Reds' critical offseason need to improve their league-worst on-base percentage and questions the current roster construction under general manager Nick Krall. The discussion also covers prospect development in the Arizona Fall League and evaluates potential lineup adjustments to transform Cincinnati's power-heavy offense into a playoff contender.
Locked On RedsReds shouldn't let their new philosophy cost them Tyler Stephenson
The Reds are pursuing a "hit over power" offensive philosophy and plan to trade away hitters who don't fit that approach, but the article argues they should retain catcher Tyler Stephenson. While Stephenson's offensive production has declined with a 30% strikeout rate over the past two years and only 15 or fewer home runs annually, his defensive value and rapport with the young pitching staff—particularly Chase Burns and Andrew Abbott, who posted strong numbers with him—makes him difficult to replace. The free agent catcher market offers limited alternatives, with top options either too expensive like Ryan Jeffers or offering minimal offensive improvement over Stephenson. Disrupting the chemistry between Stephenson and the Reds' developing rotation may not be worth a marginal offensive gain.
Blog Red MachineOVERHAUL: Cincinnati Reds Must HIRE External Pitching Coach After Derek Johnson's Departure
The Reds need to hire an external pitching coach to replace Derek Johnson and address the team's ongoing struggles with command and walk rates among their young rotation of Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder, and Brandon Williamson. The hosts argue that internal candidates like Matt Tracy and Oscar Marin are insufficient and that the organization must also prioritize strengthening its minor league pitching development to restore Cincinnati's reputation as a pitching factory. They discuss what went wrong in 2026 and what qualifications an outside hire must have to unlock the potential of this talented but underperforming staff.
Locked On RedsCincinnati Reds ownership, front office discuss 2027 and the future
The Cincinnati Reds held a media meeting where ownership and front office executives acknowledged significant roster deficiencies from 2026. Pitching coach Derek Johnson will not return after taking a personal leave, while assistant hitting coach Will Remillard is also departing, though hitting coach Chris Valaika will remain. The team identified Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart as their primary offensive cornerstones with many question marks elsewhere, and noted that Chase Burns anchors a rotation lacking depth. Front office leaders admitted to poor performance in roster construction, particularly at the bottom of the lineup and bullpen, and stated they need to improve player acquisition and develop better complementary players for manager Tito Francona.
Redleg NationREVEALED: CINCINNATI REDS 2026 Collapse—Did Terry Francona’s DECISIONS Make Or Break The Team? | Cincinnati Reds Podcast
The Cincinnati Reds finished 2026 with a disappointing 75-87 record, and the episode examines whether manager Terry Francona's decisions contributed to the collapse. Despite bright spots like Elly De La Cruz's 30-30 season, Sal Stewart's rookie success, and Chase Burns' emergence as an ace, the team struggled with offensive inconsistency, rotation injuries to Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo, and bullpen fatigue, while Francona faced criticism for his reluctance to adjust lineups and his reliance on underperforming veterans. The host grades Francona's 2026 performance a C and questions whether he can adapt his managing style to maximize young talent like Noelvi Marte and Matt McLain heading into 2027.
Locked On RedsReds shortstop Elly De La Cruz named NL Player of the Month
Elly De La Cruz earned National League Player of the Month honors for September after a dominant final month in which he batted .348 with 9 home runs and 14 walks. The 24-year-old Reds shortstop finished the season with a .283/.365/.515 slash line and became just the eighth shortstop in MLB history to achieve 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season. De La Cruz's 6.5 WAR ranked second in the National League, and he was nominated for the All-MLB team alongside teammates Chase Burns and Sal Stewart.
Redleg NationBrandon Williamson and Carson Spiers made life harder for the Reds this offseason
The Cincinnati Reds face rotation uncertainty heading into 2027 with only Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo locked in as starters, leaving multiple spots to fill after Brady Singer enters free agency. Brandon Williamson and Carson Spiers, both 28-year-old pitchers recovering from Tommy John surgery, had September opportunities to audition for rotation spots but failed to impress. Williamson posted a 5.94 ERA in Louisville before returning to the majors with a 5.70 FIP over 24⅔ innings, while Spiers allowed four home runs and five earned runs across just six September innings. Both pitchers' injury histories and poor late-season performance have complicated the Reds' plans to fill their rotation needs for next season.
Blog Red MachineA Cincinnati Reds offseason plan worth trying
The Cincinnati Reds need significant roster changes to compete in 2027, starting with signing multiple established hitters like Jazz Chisholm Jr., Ian Happ, and Randy Arozarena to replace underperforming players. The author recommends keeping Eugenio Suarez at third base and extending catcher Tyler Stephenson while building around shortstop Elly De La Cruz and first baseman Sal Stewart. On the pitching side, the team must address the coaching staff and add starting pitchers to support a rotation of Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, Rhett Lowder, Nick Lodolo, and Brandon Williamson. The proposed lineup would feature average-to-above-average offensive production throughout, a significant improvement over 2026 when multiple everyday players posted extremely low offensive numbers.
Redleg NationWill Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart ACTUALLY Save the Cincinnati Reds Franchise?
The hosts evaluate whether the Reds' young core of Elly De La Cruz, Sal Stewart, and Chase Burns can form the foundation of a contending team heading into 2027. They examine which prospects and performances merit confidence, identify roster gaps that need addressing, and warn that repeating past mistakes—such as weak depth or poor roster construction around the youth—could derail the franchise's rebuild.
Locked On RedsCincinnati Reds Notebook: The offseason ahead is vital
The Cincinnati Reds finished 2026 with a 75-87 record and last place in the NL Central after losing to Toronto 5-1, marking their worst season since 2022. The team faces significant roster turnover with three free agents (pitchers Brady Singer and Brock Burke, catcher Tyler Stephenson) and three players with mutual or player options who could depart, potentially leaving six players in free agency. Cincinnati's pitching was particularly weak outside of Chase Burns, and the offense relied heavily on Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart while most other hitters struggled significantly. The front office will need to spend available payroll on free agent talent acquisitions since the farm system is weak and trading away elite players would undermine any competitive effort for 2027.
Redleg NationBob Castellini Sabotage Leaves Cincinnati Reds Fans in OUTRAGE—Will Anything Change?
The episode examines allegations that owner Bob Castellini has been directly interfering with the Reds' baseball operations, including blocking trades and cutting payroll, which has frustrated general manager Nick Krall and created tension within the organization. Hosts discuss reporting about player dissatisfaction from pitchers Andrew Abbott and Chase Burns, along with questions about whether front office dysfunction will prevent the team from competing despite having talent like Elly De La Cruz and Jose Trevino. The discussion centers on whether manager Terry Francona can overcome these internal obstacles to turn the franchise around.
Locked On Reds5 winners, and too many losers to count as Reds enter an offseason full of questions
The Cincinnati Reds face an uncertain offseason after recent reporting exposed internal conflicts between president of baseball operations Nick Krall and owner Bob Castellini. Despite the organization's struggles, several players delivered strong performances: pitcher Chase Burns went 15-3 with a 2.86 ERA and signed a seven-year extension, shortstop Elly De La Cruz had his best season and led the majors in batting average against left-handed pitching, closer Emilio Pagán led the league in saves after returning from injury, rookie Sal Stewart hit over 30 homers with 110-plus RBIs, and reliever Tejay Antone returned to pitch effectively following his third Tommy John surgery. The team's numerous underperforming contributors contributed to Cincinnati finishing in the NL Central basement.
Blog Red MachineBrandon Williamson has one more chance to reshape the Reds' 2027 plans
Brandon Williamson pitched six scoreless innings against Atlanta on Tuesday, allowing just three hits while inducing seven ground ball outs in his best start of the season. With Chase Burns sidelined by a groin strain, Williamson will make the Reds' final start of 2026 against Toronto on Sunday, and a strong performance could secure him a spot in Cincinnati's 2027 rotation. The Reds face significant rotation uncertainty heading into next season, as Hunter Greene will miss the year following Tommy John surgery and Brady Singer enters free agency. Williamson, who missed time earlier this year with shoulder fatigue, has posted a 3.32 ERA over 20 innings this month and could become a key piece alongside Lodolo, Burns, and Abbott.
Blog Red MachineReds News: Chase Burns shut down, Spencer Steer Fall League, TJ Friedl's future
Chase Burns' season ended when the Reds placed the 26-year-old pitcher on the 15-day injured list with a groin strain, though the injury is not considered severe. In his first full major league season, Burns made 29 starts with a 2.86 ERA, struck out nearly 30% of batters faced, and accumulated 154⅓ innings pitched while earning an All-Star selection and a seven-year, $105 million contract extension. Spencer Steer will participate in the Arizona Fall League to continue rehabbing from a wrist injury suffered in late July, with surgery still a possibility if conservative treatment fails. The Reds designated outfielder TJ Friedl for assignment after he batted .172 with a 43 wRC+ in 91 games this season.
Blog Red MachineBurns heads to IL with groin strain, ending his breakout season
MLB.com RedsReds place Chase Burns on IL, designate TJ Friedl for assignment
The Reds placed pitcher Chase Burns on the 15-day injured list with a right groin strain, effectively ending his season with little time remaining on the schedule. To make room on the 40-man roster for replacement pitcher Carson Spiers, who is returning from Tommy John surgery, Cincinnati designated outfielder TJ Friedl for assignment. Friedl, the team's regular leadoff hitter and center fielder since 2023, has experienced a significant decline this season, posting a .510 OPS through 91 games after posting a .364 OBP last year. The Reds are likely to non-tender Friedl in the offseason rather than pay him through arbitration, though he could potentially return on a minor league deal.
Red ReporterReds Designate TJ Friedl For Assignment
The Reds designated outfielder TJ Friedl for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for right-hander Carson Spiers, who was called up from Triple-A Louisville. Friedl, who had a strong 2023 season with a .279 average and 4.1 WAR, has declined significantly in 2026, posting a .179/.259/.256 slash line with a 44 wRC+ through early June before being optioned to Louisville. The move comes as Chase Burns goes on the 15-day injured list with a right groin strain; Burns had a strong season with a 2.86 ERA and 4.3 fWAR before the injury ended his year.
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