The Cincinnati Reds' Draft Gamble: Did They Get It Right?
Alright, folks, let’s talk about the Cincinnati Reds and their bold move in the MLB draft. Whether they nailed it with the No. 2 overall pick on Sunday night is something we won’t know for a few years. But one thing's for sure: they picked a guy whose name is spot-on for his skill set. Meet Chase Burns. Yep, Chase, as in chasing batters out with his wicked slider.
Who is Chase Burns?
Chase Burns has a pretty cool backstory. He was born in Naples, Italy, thanks to his parents being stationed there in the military. This makes him a rare gem – only the eighth Italian-born player in MLB history. The last one? That was Alex Liddi, who played for the Mariners from 2011 to 2013. Burns eventually grew up in Gallatin, Tennessee, where he showcased his talents in high school.
Burns' College Journey
Burns kicked off his collegiate career at the University of Tennessee. His freshman year was nothing short of spectacular as a starter. But like any good story, it had its twists. His sophomore year saw some struggles, leading him to switch to a relief role. Not one to be kept down, Burns transferred to Wake Forest. There, he found his groove again in the starting rotation and absolutely thrived.
Chase Burns’ Stats and Skills
Let’s dive into some numbers because they’re just as exciting. Burns posted a 10-1 record with a 2.70 ERA and led the nation with 191 strikeouts in 2024. His fastball? It's an upper-90s monster that’s even hit triple digits. And his slider? MLB Pipeline dubbed it the best slider in the draft. Now, if that doesn’t get you pumped about his potential, I don’t know what will.
Reds’ Draft Strategy
This isn’t the first time the Reds have looked to Wake Forest for talent. Remember Rhett Lowder? They picked him at No. 7 last year. And now, they’re doubling down with Burns. After an incredible start this year where Burns struck out 14 in six innings, Wake Forest coach Tom Walter had high praise. He said, “That's as good an outing when we needed it as I've ever seen. I mean, that was certainly Paul Skenes and Rhett Lowder-esque.”
Off the Field: Burns’ Hobbies
Now, here’s a fun tidbit about Burns that you might not expect. According to MLB.com’s Jason Foster, Burns took a dance class at Wake Forest this year. And get this – the class was on Fridays, the same day he was scheduled to pitch. So, Burns found himself dancing before heading to the mound once a week. He said, “Doing all those movements in class, you’ve gotta be sort of coordinated. It helps me on the mound quite a bit.” Imagine that – dancing his way to pitching greatness.
What’s Next for Burns and the Reds?
The Reds are clearly betting on Burns’ potential. With his impressive stats, his remarkable comeback story, and even his quirky dance class, Burns is shaping up to be an exciting player to watch. Whether this draft pick turns into a home run or not, only time will tell. But for now, Reds fans have every reason to be excited about what Chase Burns brings to the table.
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