Right-hander Chase Burns has made a big splash, breaking Paul Skenes' draft bonus record by securing a whopping $9.25 million signing bonus from the Cincinnati Reds, according to ESPN. This news was first reported by MLB.com on Thursday.
Now, let’s dive deeper into this incredible achievement and what makes Burns such a standout player.
Chase Burns: The Journey to Stardom
Chase Burns, hailing from Wake Forest, was the second overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft on Sunday night. He’s already making waves as the only first-round pick to officially sign a contract so far. But there's more to this story than just a big bonus.
College Career and Transfer
Burns initially pitched the first two seasons of his collegiate career at Tennessee. After proving his mettle there, he transferred to Wake Forest for his final year of college baseball. This move turned out to be a brilliant decision, as he continued to showcase his exceptional skills on the mound.
Draft Rankings and Projections
Before turning pro, Burns was ranked fifth in ESPN's final draft rankings. He was projected to land 44th on a minor league Top 100 prospects list, underscoring his potential to make a significant impact in the big leagues.
Impressive Stats and Skills
One of the most exciting aspects of Burns' profile is his pitching arsenal. He's known for his blistering 96-100 mph fastball and a plus-plus slider, both considered among the best pitches in the draft. This lethal combination made him the consensus best pitcher available.
In his final collegiate season, Burns racked up some truly impressive numbers:
- Innings Pitched: 100.0
- Strikeouts: 191 (a school record)
- Walks: Just 30
- ERA: 2.70
These stats not only highlight his dominance on the mound but also his control and consistency, which are critical for success in the majors.
Comparison with Other Top Picks
While Burns has already made headlines with his record-breaking bonus, the spotlight is also on the other top picks from the 2024 MLB draft:
- Travis Bazzana (Cleveland Guardians/Oregon State): The No. 1 draft pick, universally seen as a top player alongside Burns.
- Charlie Condon (Colorado Rockies/Georgia): The third pick, also considered one of the draft's elite talents.
Both Bazzana and Condon have the potential to surpass Burns' bonus before the Aug. 1 signing deadline, making the next few weeks incredibly exciting for baseball fans and analysts.
Historical Context and Comparisons
Burns' $9.25 million signing bonus broke the previous record held by Paul Skenes, who signed for $9.2 million with the Pittsburgh Pirates after being selected first in the 2023 MLB draft. Skenes even started the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, a rare feat for a player drafted just a year prior.
This context adds even more significance to Burns' achievement, highlighting the magnitude of his potential in the MLB.
Connections and Future Prospects
Another interesting connection is between Burns and Rhett Lowder, another Wake Forest product. Lowder was the second pitcher drafted in the 2023 MLB draft, right behind Skenes. He was also selected by the Reds but never played with Burns in college. This connection further underscores the strength of Wake Forest's baseball program in producing top-tier pitching talent.
Conclusion
Chase Burns' record-breaking signing bonus and impressive collegiate career make him a player to watch in the upcoming MLB seasons. His exceptional skills, highlighted by a powerful fastball and slider, coupled with his remarkable stats, paint the picture of a future star. As the only first-round pick to sign so far, all eyes will be on him to see how he transitions to professional baseball and lives up to the hype.
With Burns setting the bar high, the anticipation builds around Travis Bazzana and Charlie Condon, who could potentially surpass his bonus. The 2024 MLB draft class is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent history.
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