After experiencing (nearly) everything, Burns fully prepared for rotation battle 

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – The information download must have been something for Chase Burns. The 2025 season wasn't just his first year in the Major Leagues with the Reds, it was Burns' first as a professional pitcher.

As far as manager Terry Francona was concerned, Burns aced the test.

“I thought he handled himself like a veteran," Francona said on Sunday. "He had a lot coming at him last year. He went from A-ball to Double-A to Triple-A to the big leagues. He started. He relieved. He got hurt. He had everything."

Burns, 23, will use what he has learned and his talent to compete in camp for the fifth starter's role in Cincinnati’s rotation. His fellow candidates include fellow Wake Forest product and 2023 first-round Draft selection Rhett Lowder, left-hander Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar.

Last year during his first pro Spring Training, Burns saw action in one game for only one inning before he was sent to Minor League camp.

“Definitely, I’m in a different position than last year," said Burns, who was the 2024 Draft's second overall pick. "A little more comfortable, a little more confidence. Being able to know all of these guys and knowing that I belong here. Just about this year, it’s about competing for that spot and getting better. I’m super excited for it.”

Burns debuted vs. the Yankees on June 24 and became the first Major League starter in the Expansion Era (since 1961) to strike out each of his first five batters. That included a gauntlet of hitting stars like Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt.

After the Yankees, Burns faced two more playoff teams in the Red Sox and Phillies next, and he also went against the Dodgers later in the season. Beginning with the Rockies on July 11, the right-hander struck out 10 batters in three straight games and four of five.

Overall, Burns' fastball velocity averaged 98.7 mph while often touching 101-102 mph.

“I remember the velo and the athleticism. Impressive," Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer said. "This guy is going to be good for a long time. I saw an electric arm. It’s tough to prepare for a guy like that.”

Missing from Burns' rookie year was a big league win. In 13 games, including eight starts, he was 0-3 with a 4.57 ERA. His 109 1/3 innings combined at all levels was 9 1/3 more than his career high in college.

“I learned a lot," Burns said. "I was really thankful for the opportunity to make my debut, have a successful first year. I got to learn. I will take all the information I know. The celebration is over about making it to the big leagues. I got to face some adversity. It’s just up from there. I know what to expect.”

The one hiccup to his rookie year came when Burns went on the injured list in August with a Grade 1 right flexor strain. It came a couple of weeks after an ill-fated start in the Speedway Classic in Bristol, Tenn., when rain forced him to warm up multiple times. Then he pitched just one inning before the game was suspended.

It took a month of recovery before Burns returned in a bullpen role for the remainder of the season. In five appearances, all more than one inning, he had a 2.00 ERA. Burns also appeared in Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series vs. the Dodgers.

Burns appreciated not being shut down the rest of the season.

“It gave me a lot of confidence that the team had confidence in me to just come back from that," Burns said. "Of course, I wanted to stay on the field. But with [Hunter] Greene coming back, I got the opportunity to go to the bullpen and throw with the boys again. I got to learn a lot about how much preparation and recovery goes into a big league season. I’ve got to take that into this season.

“Last year was the first time throwing that number of innings at a high level. It was a lot of adrenaline. I threw every pitch with intent. This year is going to be the same thing. I’m ready for it."

Besides his four-seam fastball, Burns has an effective slider. He's working to improve his curveball while also developing his changeup to keep hitters guessing. Among Burns’ 2026 goals, besides making the rotation, is better location from moving the ball around all parts of the strike zone and successfully getting through a lineup three times.

“There’s so much to like about him," Francona said. "He doesn’t shortchange you.”