BLOCKBUSTER BREAKING: Cincinnati Reds Promote No. 2 Pick Chase Burns — Flame-Throwing Future Ace Arrives to Spark 2025 Playoff Charge

In a move that has the entire baseball world buzzing, the Reds have called up star right-handed pitcher Chase Burns, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, to join the big-league roster effective immediately. Burns, long hailed as one of the most electrifying arms in recent memory, will make his MLB debut this week, giving Reds fans their first glimpse of the flame-throwing phenom many believe could become the franchise’s next legendary ace.

The 21-year-old Burns has been tearing through the minor leagues at breakneck pace since being selected last summer out of Wake Forest. In just over a year of professional baseball, Burns posted dominant numbers across Double-A and Triple-A, racking up strikeouts and silencing bats with a fiery fastball that regularly touches 100 mph and a vicious slider that has left hitters baffled.

Through 16 starts this season at the Triple-A level with Louisville, Burns owns a 2.12 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and a jaw-dropping 127 strikeouts in just 89 innings pitched. His combination of raw power, precision, and poise has made him must-watch baseball in the minors, and now, the Reds are ready to see that talent unleashed on the major stage — just in time for a critical second-half playoff push.

With Cincinnati hovering just above .500 and within striking distance of an NL Wild Card spot, the front office made a clear statement with this promotion: they’re not waiting for 2026. They want to win now.

The Reds’ rotation has shown flashes of promise but has been hampered by inconsistency and injuries throughout the 2025 campaign. Burns’ arrival is expected to immediately elevate the staff and bring a much-needed boost in both velocity and strikeout potential. Club insiders have already compared his presence and demeanor to that of a young Justin Verlander.

The buzz around Burns has only intensified since his call-up was made official this morning. Within minutes, social media was flooded with celebration from Reds fans who have followed the prospect’s rise since draft day. Burns jerseys began trending on team shop sites, and ticket sales spiked for his expected debut game, rumored to come this weekend against the Chicago Cubs.

Despite the massive spotlight now firmly on his shoulders, Burns appears more than ready for the challenge. In interviews throughout the minor league season, he’s demonstrated maturity beyond his years, often crediting his collegiate development and mental preparation for his rapid success.

The Reds have stockpiled young talent in recent years, but few prospects have inspired the level of anticipation and optimism that Burns brings. He isn’t just another arm — he’s the arm. And in a year where the NL Central remains tightly contested, his addition could be the difference between an early offseason and a deep October run.