Chase Burns, the Cincinnati Reds' top pitching prospect and No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, made his long-awaited Major League debut this week against the New York Yankees. The 22-year-old right-hander has soared through the minors, posting a 7–3 record and a 1.77 ERA with 89 strikeouts over 66 innings across multiple levels, including Double-A and Triple-A.

Opportunity Knocks

Burns’ rapid call-up came after injuries sidelined key starters like Hunter Greene and Wade Miley. Reds manager Terry Francona shared his confidence in the young ace, saying, “It’s kind of hard to come up with a reason why we shouldn’t … He just kind of handled everything.”

The team clearly believes Burns is ready to step into a rotation role and provide an immediate boost to their playoff hopes.

Tools of the Trade

Burns brings heat—and then some. His fastball sits comfortably in the upper-90s and occasionally touches triple digits. Paired with a devastating slider, his pitch arsenal has scouts raving. Both pitches are graded in the 65–70 range, considered elite. He also showcased sharp command in the minors, with only 13 walks in 66 innings.

First Outing by the Numbers

In his debut, Burns delivered five innings of three-run ball while striking out eight Yankees and walking none. His fastball averaged 98.1 mph and reached 100 mph, generating a dozen swings and misses—six on the heater and six on the slider. He allowed a leadoff home run in the fourth and a two-run triple right after, which accounted for the three runs.

Despite that one shaky inning, Burns became one of the few Reds pitchers since 1900 to record at least eight strikeouts and zero walks in a debut. He also struck out the first five batters he faced, a feat not accomplished by a Reds pitcher in over 60 years.

What's Next for Burns?

With such a dominant debut, Burns is expected to remain in the rotation. His performance hints at a future frontline starter, though minor adjustments will be needed to limit big innings. Still, his strikeout rate and command are already MLB-caliber, and fantasy baseball managers have taken notice.

Kumar Rocker’s Subtle Comeback

While Burns shined in the spotlight, Texas Rangers prospect Kumar Rocker has been quietly working his way back from Tommy John surgery. Early signs were rocky—his ERA was high, and his signature slider wasn’t as effective. However, recent outings show he's relying more on the slider again, a promising sign for a potential rebound.

Final Take

Chase Burns’ electric debut has energized Reds fans and fantasy owners alike. With elite velocity, pinpoint control, and historical poise, he looks like a future ace in the making. Meanwhile, Kumar Rocker’s journey reminds us that progress isn’t always instant—but with the right adjustments, a comeback is always possible.