Reds Begin Road Trip in Boston: What to Expect From Rookie Chase Burns

By Oliver Wiener July 01, 2025 04:14

As the Cincinnati Reds embark on their road trip to Boston starting July 1, all eyes will be on rookie pitcher Chase Burns, who made his MLB debut just a week ago on June 24, 2025. The 22-year-old right-hander, Cincinnati’s 2024 first-round pick (second overall), has quickly become a focal point of the Reds’ pitching staff, and this trip presents a crucial test for the promising young arm.

Early Career and Rapid Rise

Burns, born in Naples, Italy, and developed through Wake Forest’s baseball program, was widely regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in the 2024 draft class. Known for his electrifying fastball that touches the upper 90s and a devastating changeup, Burns dominated in the minors last season, posting a 7-3 record with a 1.77 ERA and an exceptional 89 strikeouts over 66 innings at Triple-A Louisville. His control and poise earned him a call-up to the majors in late June.

Early MLB Performance: Promise and Growing Pains

In his first two starts with the Reds, Burns has shown flashes of brilliance but also faced the inevitable adjustment period. Over 5.1 innings, he has struck out eight batters but has struggled with command, reflected in a 13.50 ERA and a 2.44 WHIP. His debut outing against the New York Yankees on June 24 was encouraging, as he struck out eight while allowing three earned runs over five innings. However, his follow-up start at Boston on June 30 was more challenging, lasting only 0.1 innings while giving up five runs on five hits.

What to Expect in Boston

The Red Sox lineup is formidable, featuring a mix of power and contact hitters who will test Burns’ ability to locate his pitches under pressure. But Burns’ arsenal particularly his mid-90s fastball and sharp changeup gives him the tools to succeed if he can harness his control.

Reds pitching coach Mark Riggins emphasized patience with the rookie: “Chase has electric stuff, but the big leagues are a different animal. We’re focused on helping him refine his command and trust his pitches. The Boston series is a great opportunity for him to learn and grow.”

Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Burns’ strikeout rate is impressive, averaging nearly 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings in the minors and showing glimpses of that in the majors. His ability to generate swings and misses is a key asset. However, his elevated walk rate and occasional lapses in pitch location have led to higher run totals early on.

Baseball analyst Jessica Morales notes, “Burns’ ceiling is very high. If he can improve his command and sequencing, he could become a frontline starter. This road trip will be a critical step in his development.”

Reds’ Rotation and Team Impact

The Reds, currently hovering around .500, are eager for Burns to stabilize the rotation and provide innings behind veterans. His youth and upside make him a valuable piece for Cincinnati’s rebuilding efforts.

Manager David Bell commented, “We’re excited about what Chase brings. He’s competitive, works hard, and has the makeup of a big-league starter. We want him to learn from each outing and keep building confidence.”

Chase Burns’ first taste of major league action has been a rollercoaster, but the raw talent and strikeout ability are undeniable. As the Reds face the Boston Red Sox’s powerful lineup, Burns’ performance will be closely watched. If he can tighten his command and maintain his strikeout prowess, Burns could quickly become a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s pitching staff.

2025 MLB Stats (through June 30, 2025):

Games - 2
W-L - 0-1
ERA - 13.50
IP - 5.1
SO - 8
WHIP - 2.44

The road trip to Boston is more than just a series; it’s a proving ground for the Reds’ brightest young arm as he seeks to carve out his place in the majors.