Reds, Chase Burns Agree To Seven-Year Extension

Key Points:

• The Cincinnati Reds have agreed to a seven-year, $105 million contract extension with breakout right-handed pitcher Chase Burns, covering the 2029-2033 seasons and adding two years of team control beyond his arbitration years.
• At just 23 years old, Burns has emerged as one of baseball’s top pitchers, posting a 2.54 ERA with a 28.6% strikeout rate and strong command in his first full MLB season, showcasing a high-velocity fastball and slider as his primary weapons.
• The deal is the largest ever for a pitcher with fewer than four years of major league service, surpassing Logan Webb’s previous record, and positions Burns alongside Hunter Greene as the core of the Reds’ pitching staff.
• Despite the Reds’ current struggles and low payroll, this extension reflects their confidence in Burns as a long-term leader, while structuring salaries to avoid heavy financial burdens in the short term.
• The contract offers Burns financial security through his prime years while still allowing him to reach free agency before age 31, balancing risk and reward for both player and team.