The Cincinnati Reds made a major investment in their pitching future on Saturday, announcing a seven-year, $105 million contract extension with standout right-hander Chase Burns.
The 23-year-old Burns set a historic benchmark with the deal, securing the largest guaranteed contract ever given to a pitcher with fewer than four years of major league service time. The agreement kicks off next season and runs through 2033, featuring a $2 million signing bonus with no options or deferred money involved.
Burns said the magnitude of the moment hasn’t fully sunk in yet. “It doesn’t feel real yet,” he told The Cincinnati Enquirer. “I’m sure here soon, next year and the year after, it’ll start hitting me.”
The young pitcher also reflected on keeping the right perspective. “God can get you an opportunity, and he can also take it away. The biggest thing is staying humble, staying hungry,” Burns said.
Selected second overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, Burns has put together an outstanding first full season after appearing in 13 games during his 2025 debut. Through 18 starts this year, he carries an 11-1 record, placing him tied for second in the majors in wins behind Milwaukee’s Aaron Ashby, who is 12-2. Burns also ranks fifth among qualified pitchers with a 2.54 ERA, has struck out 118 batters against just 37 walks, and opposing hitters are batting only .206 against him. His next scheduled outing is Tuesday on the road against the Seattle Mariners.
Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall expressed strong confidence in the young ace. “We think the sky’s the limit for him,” Krall said. “We know he works his butt off. He’s trying to get better. He’s a young pitcher in the big leagues, so he’s still developing and he’s been pretty successful in developing at this level.”
The extension strengthens what is shaping up to be one of baseball’s most formidable pitching duos. The Reds previously locked up right-hander Hunter Greene with a six-year, $53 million contract back in 2023.
Burns is already looking ahead to what the team can accomplish. “We’re going to build something great here. I think we have a great set of guys,” he said. “I think we’re going to keep getting better every year and that’s the end goal, to win a championship.”
Manager Terry Francona also weighed in on the signing, calling it a positive sign for the organization. “It’s exciting for Chase,” Francona said. “As far as the organization goes, I think it sends a great message. It’s a really good thing.”
The Reds boast an average roster age of 28.5, according to ESPN, reflecting the team’s youthful foundation.
Krall emphasized the importance of retaining homegrown talent. “We love our core group, and we do think that they’ve got a lot of talent,” he said. “We’ve tried to lock a few guys up over the years, and we’re successful with Chase and Hunter. We think this is a really good building block to build on for the future.”
The signing ceremony on Saturday hit a small snag when a cup of coffee was accidentally spilled on the contract before Burns could sign it. A fresh copy was printed and the deal was officially completed shortly after.
Burns earned his first All-Star Game selection this season but did not pitch in Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic for the National League, citing a minor groin injury. He last took the mound on July 8.
