'A dream come true.' Chase Burns discusses his Cincinnati Reds debut vs. New York Yankees

Yahoo

5 hours ago

Aaron who?
That's not quite how Chase Burns reacted to a question about inevitably having to face Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees slugger, during his MLB debut, but the Cincinnati Reds rookie wasn't awed by the task ahead of him.
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"I know he's there," Burns said. "Haven't really thought about it too much. I'm kind of just enjoying the moment. Once it comes to that point, I'll lock in."
That response accurately captured Burns' demeanor on the eve of his June 24 MLB debut at Great American Ball Park against the defending AL champion and current AL East-leading Yankees. Holding court with about two dozen media members June 23 just outside of the Reds clubhouse, Burns was a picture of measured confidence, appreciation for the moment and self-awareness.
"I'm just excited. It's a dream come true," Burns said. "Actually being a big leaguer. All my work's paid off, so I'm excited to be here."
Reds pitchers Rhett Lowder (25) and Chase Burns (81) have a conversation with a staff member during spring training in February.
Burns, 22, the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2024, is ranked the No. 1 prospect in the Reds organization, the No. 3 pitching prospect in baseball and the No. 11 prospect overall, according to MLB Pipeline.
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Hopes and expectations with the Reds organization are that Burns will be an immediate, impact major-league player. While addressing reporters on the separate matter of parting with Jeimer Candelario, President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall said he viewed the Burns call-up as a statement of intent to win.
'This is a statement of intent. Bringing Chase Burns is a statement of intent. We want to win games,' Krall said. 'We felt that these are the moves that give us the best chance to win games.'
Burns made his own statement of intent on Monday, agreeing with the suggestion that he would use his first big-league stint to prove he wouldn't need more seasoning in the minors.
The Cincinnati Reds selected right-handed pitcher Chase Burns from Wake Forest No. 2 overall in the 2024 MLB draft.
"Yeah, 100%," Burns said. "I have no idea what they're gonna do with me. I haven't talked about it yet but I'm gonna give 100% effort, see how it goes from there."
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Burns steamed through the Reds' minor league system, earning the call-up after just 13 appearances. His professional debut was April 4 for the Single-A Dayton Dragons. He'd log three appearances there (0-2, 3.09 ERA) before moving to Double-A Chattanooga. That's where the bulk of his minor league experience − eight appearances (6-1, 1.29 ERA) − occurred.
It's not as though Burns was a finished product all the way through he brief tour of the minors. He just happened to pick things up quickly, and apply them successfully. For instance, he was encouraged to add a changeup to his arsenal in Chattanooga.
"I hate throwing it sometimes but I think now it's been a plus-pitch," Burns said. "When I was in Double-A, they told me I needed to throw it more, so kind of just trusting it. Now, it's something that's effective against lefties."
Chase Burns pitches for the Chattanooga Lookouts against the Knoxville Smokies.
After Chattanooga, Burns was deemed ready for MLB action after two starts at Triple-A Louisville (1-0, 2.19 ERA).
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"I talked about it a lot, wanting to move up quick and making an impact," Burns said. "When it actually happens, it's surreal. Just the other day, I felt like I was in Dayton making my first professional start."
Is Burns ready? For the Yankees and the opponents that follow?
"I guess we'll find out," he said. "Go out there, be healthy and help the team win."
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Chase Burns discusses MLB for Reds vs. Yankees on June 24