Chase Burns: From Yankee Dream to Debut Against the Mules
Young Chase Burns, who grew up dreaming of wearing the New York Yankees uniform, is about to make his debut in the Major Leagues, facing precisely the team of his dreams. The 22-year-old pitcher, selected second overall in the 2024 draft, will take the mound for the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night. The news has generated great anticipation among baseball fans and experts.Burns arrives in the majors after a standout season in the minors, where he had a 7-3 record with an ERA of 1.77 in 13 starts between Class-A, Double-A and Triple-A. His meteoric rise led the Reds’ management to consider him ready for the big stage. The pitcher was added to the reserve team on Monday and will be added to the active roster before Tuesday’s game. Burns is known for his powerful fastball, which averages 97 mph and frequently reaches triple digits. In addition, he has an above-average slider and has improved his changeup. Burns led minor league pitchers in full season with a WHIP of 0.77, finishing fifth in ERA, sixth in strikeouts (89) and tied for sixth in batting average against (.167).“I wanted to be like Derek Jeter and play shortstop. However, I’m excited to have the Reds uniform,” Burns commented on Monday, prior to the start of the series against the Yankees.
Chase Burns
Facing one of the strongest major league lineups in his debut adds extra pressure. Burns might have to face the powerful Yankees hitter, Aaron Judge, who hit his 28th home run on Monday night. Despite the situation, Burns remains focused.“He’s electric on the mound. He throws hard and his breaking pitches are great. He comes with the right mindset and attitude. With all that combined, he’ll be ready,” said Andrew Abbott, Reds pitcher.
Andrew Abbott
The Reds manager, Terry Francona, also commented on Burns’ debut.“I know it’s there. I’ll just enjoy the moment. There will be pressure in everything you do in life. That’s what my father instilled in me. And, of course, being the second overall pick, you’re going to have a lot of pressure. At the end of the day, you just have to have fun,” Burns commented.
Chase Burns
“I don’t think we give a (damn) about the mystique. If we did that, we’d probably make a mistake. We don’t make decisions because of that. That’s maybe for social media, not for what we’re doing. You can’t replicate your first game in the Major Leagues. It could be the most exciting day of your life, and don’t shy away from that. But whatever happens tomorrow won’t define your career. You know, if he pitches seven innings without allowing runs, everyone will put him in the Hall of Fame. If he allows four runs in three innings, they’ll want to send him down. I told him, just be who you are and let’s see if they can hit you.”
Terry Francona
