Full Breakdown
Chase Burns Signs Historic Seven-Year, $105 Million Extension with Cincinnati Reds
7/17/2026, 12:46:38 AM
Reds Secure Young Ace with Seven-Year, $105 Million Extension
The Cincinnati Reds and All-Star right-hander Chase Burns have agreed to a seven-year contract worth $105 million that runs from the 2027 season through 2033. The deal contains no club options or salary deferrals and buys out the two free-agent years Burns would have entered after the 2031 season. At 23, Burns becomes the youngest pitcher to receive a guarantee of this magnitude and the largest contract ever for a pitcher with fewer than four years of major-league service.
Draft Roots and Rapid Rise
Burns was selected second overall in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Wake Forest, where he posted a 10–1 record, a 2.70 ERA and 191 strikeouts in 100 innings. The Reds signed him to a then-record $9.25 million signing bonus. After a brief 2025 rookie stint that produced a 4.57 ERA over 43 1/3 innings, Burns exploded in his first full season, posting an 11–1 record, a 2.54 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP and 118 strikeouts in 102 2/3 innings across 18 starts.
Performance Metrics and Contract Milestones
- ERA: 2.54 (fourth-lowest in the majors)
- WHIP: 1.11 (sixth)
- Strikeouts: 118 (seventh in the National League)
- Fastball velocity: reported at 97.8 mph (some sources list 97.9 mph) – 93rd percentile
- Slider whiff rate: 51.2% (among the league’s best)
- Opponent batting average vs. Burns: .206 overall; .157 vs. slider
The extension ties Homer Bailey’s $105 million guarantee as the largest ever for a Reds pitcher and ranks as the third-largest contract in franchise history behind Joey Votto and Ken Griffey Jr.
Strategic Implications for Cincinnati and MLB
Locking Burns in through 2033 gives the Reds a cornerstone for a rotation that already includes fellow young ace Hunter Greene, whose six-year, $53 million deal runs through 2029. The move follows a broader league trend of securing emerging talent early, as seen with recent long-term deals for pitchers such as Konnor Griffin (Pittsburgh) and JJ Wetherholt (St. Louis). For a market-size club that has struggled to retain stars like Elly De La Cruz, the extension provides a rare, cost-controlled ace and signals confidence in the team’s rebuilding trajectory.
Official Reactions
Team officials described the agreement as “a prudent, team-friendly extension that locks in a proven frontline starter at a reasonable annual average value.” The front office highlighted Burns’ durability and elite two-pitch mix as justification for the long-term commitment, while noting that the contract aligns with the Reds’ broader strategy of building a youthful core.
Concerns Over Pitch Arsenal
Analysts have pointed to Burns’ limited repertoire as a potential risk. His changeup, used on roughly 6 % of pitches, “remains a work in progress,” and some evaluators wonder whether the lack of a reliable third offering could affect his long-term dominance. Injuries also loom; Burns missed the All-Star Game after tweaking a right groin on July 8, raising questions about durability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Source: Chase Burns & Reds are in agreement on 7-year, $105 million extension. Deal was negotiated by Greg Genske & Erik Castro of Vayner Sports and is largest guarantee given to a pitcher with less than 4 years of MLB service.” — Jon Morosi, MLB Network (via X)
- “Right-hander Chase Burns and the Cincinnati Reds are in agreement on a seven-year, $105 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Burns, 23, was an All-Star this season and one of the best young pitchers in baseball. No club options. A straight deal that will run through 2023.” — Jeff Passan, ESPN (via X)
- “takes your breath away.” — Chase Burns, reflecting on his All-Star Game selection (Cincinnati.com)
- “Turns out mid-market teams do have money to spend ahead of upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.” — Jon Heyman, New York Post
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ slightly on Burns’ average fastball speed, citing 97.8 mph and 97.9 mph. The exact start date of the contract is uniformly reported as the 2027 season, but a few outlets ambiguously reference the deal “kicking in next year,” creating minor timing confusion. No official comment has been released regarding the club’s plan for Burns’ developing changeup.
Upcoming Schedule
Burns is slated to make his first post-All-Star start on Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park, marking the beginning of the second half of a season in which the Reds sit 43-52 and eight games out of a wild-card spot. The extension ensures his presence in Cincinnati’s rotation well beyond that date.
