Who is Chase Burns? Reds’ top draft pick rocketed through minors to reach MLB debut

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Chase Burns has arrived, and it didn't take long.

About a year after he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds, he'll start Tuesday night's game at home against the New York Yankees.

It's a huge day for the Reds fanbase. Burns is a consensus top-25 prospect in baseball, and by some regarded as top-10.

His future is bright, and it's here now.

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Who is Chase Burns?

Chase Burns is a 22-year old right-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds.

He was born in Naples, Italy, then grew up in Gallatin, Tennessee.

He attended the University of Tennessee to begin his college career, and he finished his collegiate tenure at Wake Forest.

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The Cincinnati Reds chose Chase Burns with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.

The only player taken in front of him was Travis Bazzana by the Cleveland Guardians.

Burns had been drafted out of high school, in the 2021 20th round by the Padres, but didn't sign and went to college instead.

Chase Burns was born on January 16, 2003, in Naples, Italy.

His parents were stationed there with the United States Military.

Burns is the fifth Italian-born pitcher to reach MLB, and the first since 1950.

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Chase Burns' favorite player growing up was Derek Jeter.

He admits to having grown up as a Yankees fan.

Burns made just two starts with Triple-A Louisville before his call up.

In those two outings, he had 14 strikeouts in 12.1 innings while allowing a total of three runs.

Burns didn't pitch any professional innings in his draft year.

This season, across three minor-league levels, Burns has a 1.77 ERA and 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings.

And now, his pitches will come in the major leagues.

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