The Cincinnati Reds are off to another disappointing start to the season. Currently sitting at 28-29 and fourth in the National League Central, their chances to compete this season are slipping away with each passing day.
There are positives to the season, however, namely the bevy of talented prospects in their farm league. The one commanding the most attention, though, is Chase Burns.
Having played in less than 10 games in his career, Burns is proving to be one of the most promising pitching prospects in years. What makes him so special? Here’s a look at Burns, the Reds’ prospect dominating the farm leagues.
Despite this being his first season as a professional, Burns is playing well above his peers through his first 9 games. After only three games with the Dayton Dragons, Burns was promoted to play for the Chattanooga Lookouts in Double-A.
With the Dragons, Burns allowed five hits, two homers, and walked five batters. This, along with his 20 strikeouts, allowed him to post a 3.09 ERA, with a .125 batting average against him.
Once promoted to Double-A, his play continued to stand out. In the six games played, he’s given up 21 hits, three homers, three walks, and racked up 45 strikeouts. He’s put up a 1.86 ERA, and his opponents are batting .204 against him.
What’s impressive is Burns’ ability to translate his skills. Since being promoted to the Lookouts, he’s continued to dominate despite the increased competition. He’s given up significantly more hits (even proportionally), but has walked fewer batters while striking out more and giving up fewer home runs. He’s also lowered both his ERA and opponents’ batting average with the jump, raising both his floor and ceiling with seemingly each appearance.
Burns is still in the infancy of his professional career and has yet to play a game above Double-A. He is, though, making his case for a call-up more and more strongly with each game, and especially considering the pitching issues this Reds team is facing.
While Hunter Greene continues to show he’s a bona fide ace, the rest of the rotation has been spotty, at best. Whether Burns would enter the starting rotation or join the bullpen, it would give Cincinnati much more leverage when their pitching doesn’t show up.
If he is good enough to be a starter, then (presumably) either Nick Martinez or Brady Singer would be moved to the bullpen. The Reds are in desperate need of long relief, and this would not only rectify that but also cause a domino effect that may just lead to this team establishing their closer. It’s rare that a player as young as Burns would be called up, but is just as rare for a player that young to play with the poise of a veteran. If the Reds continue to struggle, then don’t be surprised to see the rookie make his big-league debut this season.
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