MLB Rookie Watch: Chase Burns’ Historic Start Against New York

By Oliver Wiener June 29, 2025 14:17

On June 24, 2025, Chase Burns made a memorable entrance onto the Major League Baseball stage, delivering a performance that immediately put him in the conversation as one of the most promising young pitchers in the game. The Cincinnati Reds’ No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft did more than just hold his own against the New York Yankees he made history.

Burns was undaunted from the moment he took the mound at Great American Ball Park. In his first inning, he struck out the side, fanning Trent Grisham, Ben Rice, and reigning MVP Aaron Judge. The feat was remarkable not only because of the caliber of hitters but also because Burns became only the second Reds pitcher in the Live Ball era (since 1920) to strike out the side in the first inning of his MLB debut, joining Mo Sanford’s 1991 performance.

What made Burns’ debut even more electric was his dominance over the Yankees’ lineup early on. He struck out his first five batters faced, a first for any starting pitcher in the Expansion Era (since 1961). His pitch arsenal featured a blazing 99.3 mph fastball and a sharp slider that left Judge swinging and missing three times in a row. Burns’ ability to execute pitches with such precision and velocity against one of baseball’s most potent lineups was a statement.

Despite allowing a few hits and runs later in the game including a two-run triple by Anthony Volpe Burns finished with eight strikeouts over five innings. Though he did not factor into the decision, his performance was a clear indication that the Reds have a frontline starter in the making.

Burns’ rapid rise through the minor leagues has been equally impressive. After signing for a record $9.25 million bonus following his selection, he quickly ascended from Single-A Dayton to Triple-A Louisville within months, compiling a 7-3 record with a 1.77 ERA across 13 starts before his call-up. His college career at Wake Forest was stellar as well, where he set a school record with 191 strikeouts in a single season and earned Atlantic Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year honors.

In his own words before the debut, Burns reflected on the surreal nature of the moment: “I talked about it a lot, of wanting to move up quick and make an impact. But when it actually happens and you’re actually here, it’s surreal. Just the other day, I felt like I was in [High-A] Dayton making my first professional start. Now I’m here. I’m excited.”

The Reds’ front office and fans alike have reason to be excited. Burns’ poise under pressure, ability to generate swings and misses, and composure against a lineup featuring stars like Judge and Paul Goldschmidt suggest a bright future. As the first pitcher from the 2024 draft class to reach the majors, he has set a high bar for his peers.

While there will be growing pains as Burns adjusts to the rigor of a full MLB season, his debut performance was a promising glimpse of what could be a long and successful career. The Reds have a potential ace on their hands, and the baseball world will be watching closely as Chase Burns continues his rookie campaign.

In sum, Chase Burns’ historic start against the Yankees was more than just a debut it was a declaration. At just 22 years old, Burns has announced himself as a rookie to watch, and if his first outing is any indication, the Reds’ future looks bright.