Chase Burns Gets Real on Cincinnati Reds’ Starting Rotation Decision
The Reds are taking a calculated risk entering the 2026 MLB season.
Baseball players often take years to develop in the minor leagues, but Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Chase Burns is a special case. The 2024 No. 2 overall MLB Draft Pick will make the club's Opening Day roster after just 13 minor-league starts , per MLB.
com's Mark Sheldon. Ditto for southpaw Brandon Williamson and right-hander Rhett Lowder, who haven't pitched in MLB since 2024. Williamson has 27 career big-league appearances, and Lowder has six.
Burns gave his thoughts on the Reds' decision to include all three players on the MLB roster to start the campaign, via Sheldon. “It’s cool. It says a lot about the staff," the 23-year-old said.
"There are a lot of good guys that it’s hard to pick from. Rhett said earlier that we’ll just feed off each other. It’s going to be good.