Chase Burns Bio
Chase David Burns is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball for the Tennessee Volunteers and Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Burns was selected by the Reds with the second overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft and made his MLB debut in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Chase Burns was born on January 16, 2003, in Italy, where his parents were stationed with the United States military. He grew up in Gallatin, Tennessee, where he initially attended Station Camp High School. Before the start of his senior year, he transferred to Beech Senior High School. This early exposure to baseball set the foundation for his future career in the sport.
Path to Baseball
Burns was selected in the 20th round of the 2021 Major League Baseball draft by the San Diego Padres but did not sign with the team. He entered his freshman season at the University of Tennessee as a member of the Volunteers’ starting rotation. In his freshman year, he achieved an impressive 8-2 record with a 2.91 earned run average (ERA) and recorded 103 strikeouts over 81.1 innings pitched. His performance earned him the Freshman Pitcher of the Year award from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.
Chase Burns Career
Early Career (2021–2024)
After a successful freshman year, Burns entered his sophomore season as a starter but was moved to a relief role midway through the season. Despite this transition, he excelled in postseason play, allowing only one run and striking out 22 batters over 16 innings during the Men’s College World Series. He finished his sophomore season with a 5-3 record, two saves, and a 4.25 ERA. Following this season, Burns entered the NCAA transfer portal and ultimately transferred to Wake Forest University.
Breakthrough (2024–2025)
At Wake Forest, Burns set a school record with 191 strikeouts in a single season and was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Baseball Pitcher of the Year. His outstanding performance caught the attention of major league scouts, leading to his selection by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round of the 2024 MLB draft with the second overall pick. He signed with the Reds for a record $9.25 million signing bonus.
Notable Works and Milestones
Burns made his professional debut with the Dayton Dragons on April 4, 2025, and quickly advanced through the Reds’ minor league system. He was promoted to the major leagues on June 24, 2025, becoming the first pitcher from the 2024 draft class to reach the majors. In his debut against the New York Yankees, he struck out eight batters, including five in a row to start the game, marking a historic achievement.
Chase Burns Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Chase Burns has received recognition for his performances, particularly during his college years, though specific award nominations are not detailed in the available information.
Chase Burns Awards Won
Chase Burns has achieved notable success in his early career, including being named the Freshman Pitcher of the Year and the Atlantic Coast Conference Baseball Pitcher of the Year.
Chase Burns Family
Information about Chase Burns’ family is limited. His father played college football for the North Greenville Trailblazers, but details about his parents and other family members are not publicly available.
Personal Life
As a child, Chase Burns admired Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees, which influenced his passion for baseball. He was born in Italy and has a unique background as one of the few Italian-born players in Major League Baseball. His journey from Italy to the major leagues showcases his dedication and talent in the sport.