Brewers just reminded the Reds why now’s the time to bet on Chase Burns

The Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds have long been mirror images in the National League Central. Two small-market franchises, both operating with slim margins and an unwavering commitment to player development.

Both organizations build from within, don’t spend recklessly, and lean heavily on shrewd roster construction to stay competitive. But as the Brewers prepare to showcase their top pitching prospect Jacob Misiorowski in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, the Reds should be taking notes. Because Milwaukee is giving Cincinnati the blueprint. 

The Brewers are reportedly initiating long-term extension talks with Misiorowski — just 25 ⅔ innings into his big league career, sending a clear message: Don’t wait. Bet on your generational arms before the market does.

The Reds should follow the Brewers’ lead with Chase Burns

Cincinnati has its own golden ticket in Chase Burns, a flamethrowing righty with ace potential who could soon be Hunter Greene 2.0 — or better. And just like Paul Skenes in Pittsburgh, the countdown began the moment Burns touched a big-league mound. Team control or not, every electric start brings him one day closer to arbitration. Every whiff adds dollars to the asking price. If you’re the Reds, this is moving further away from a wait-and-see scenario.

The harsh reality is that small-market teams rarely win bidding wars when elite homegrown talent hit the open market. Just look at the looming dilemma in Pittsburgh. The Pirates have control of Skenes through 2029, but if he stays healthy and dominant, his price tag will soar past anything they’ve shown a willingness to spend. And then he’ll be gone leaving them back at square one.

That’s why the Brewers’ proactive approach with Misiorowski is so vital. They’re not just betting on talent. They’re buying cost certainty, bypassing arbitration headaches, and securing a long-term piece of their rotation while it’s still affordable. Incentive-laden contracts that escalate gradually give both sides protection. The player gains financial security early, while the team avoids future sticker shock.

The Reds should be doing exactly the same with Burns. Waiting until he dominates at the major league level only inflates his value. Getting ahead of it now — offering a deal that balances financial stability with upside potential — could be the difference between anchoring a rotation for a decade or scrambling to trade him five years from now.

Cincinnati’s rotation already boasts a high-octane arm in Greene. Pair him with a rising star like Chase Burns, and you’ve got the makings of one of the most intimidating duos in the National League. But if the front office wants to see that through long-term, they need to get aggressive.

The Brewers are drawing the line in the sand. The Reds would be wise to follow — before Burns becomes another “what could’ve been”.

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