DENVER — Around late June, when Chase Burns was rolling into the first anniversary of his Major League debut, the Reds and the starting pitcher began talking about a contract that would guarantee many more years with the club.
“It was very easy to communicate," Burns said of the talks between him, his agents and the Reds front office.
Following about a month of talks, it all came together this week. After agreeing to terms on Thursday, Cincinnati and Burns signed a seven-year, $105 million contract on Saturday at Coors Field.
“It was a very easy opportunity," Burns said. "I think this organization putting their trust and loyalty in me, drafting me two years ago, putting that confidence and support in me. I think it’s just more than an organization to me. It’s family. God put me in this opportunity and I’m thankful for it. I want to win a championship here. I can’t thank the city of Cincinnati enough.”
The deal included a $2 million signing bonus but contains no deferrals or option years. It will begin in 2027 and run through the 2033 season.
Burns will earn $2.5 million in 2027, $8 million in '28, $12.5 million in '29, $15 million in '30, $17 million in '31, $23 million in '32 and $25 million in '33. It is tied for the largest guarantee given to a pitcher in Reds history and tied for the third-largest overall. In total dollars, it equals the six-year, $105 million contract pitcher Homer Bailey signed in 2014.
“It’s exciting for Chase," manager Terry Francona said. "As far as the organization goes, I think it sends a great message. In all reality, I think fans probably lose sight of the fact that Chase [was] ours [under club control] for the way the system is. But it’s still a really good thing.”
Burns, 23, debuted in electric fashion on June 24, 2025, at Great American Ball Park while showcasing his triple-digit velocity and elite slider. He struck out each of his first five Yankees batters and eight overall. In 13 games, including eight starts, as a rookie, he was 0-3 with a 4.57 ERA.
In Spring Training, the club was originally planning on having six starters for five spots with Burns, Rhett Lowder and Brandon Williamson splitting up the final two spots in the rotation to help them develop more slowly. But injuries to others changed the plans and Burns made the club fully part of the starting five.
"He started developing on his own and it got exciting in a hurry," Francona said.
A first-time All-Star this season, Burns is 11-1 with a 2.54 ERA in 18 starts and 102 2/3 innings for Cincinnati in his second year as a professional after being selected No. 2 overall in the 2024 Draft out of Wake Forest.
Because of a tight right groin following his last start vs. the Phillies on July 8, Burns opted not to pitch in last Tuesday's All-Star Game. However, he was not expected to miss his next start -- scheduled for this Tuesday against the Mariners.
Burns now has the chance to focus fully on pitching for years to come without the worries of arbitration while putting off his ability to be a free agent until after the '33 season.
“It’s really easy," Burns said. "I’d be lying if I said some people don’t play this game for the money. Money is great, but when you can put that to the side and think about the relationships that you’re going to build here and the team you’re going to build, it’s a lot easier."
Partly because the Reds were on the road when the contract came together, there wasn't a big press conference for Burns despite him getting one of the biggest deals in franchise history. He talked to reporters in the visitor's dugout in relatively low-key fashion right after throwing his side bullpen session ahead of his next start.
“It doesn’t feel real yet," Burns said. "I’m sure here soon, next year and the year after, it will start hitting me. I just like to keep it mellow.”