Chase Burns call-up shows how little Reds thought of this All-Star option

Let the Chase Burns Era begin. The Cincinnati Reds are all set to welcome their top prospect to the big leagues this evening for his MLB debut against none other than the New York Yankees. Burns has been terrific during his time in the minor leagues this season, and the Reds' brass is hopeful that his top-flight performance carries over to the majors.

Cincinnati was in a pickle after Wade Miley's flexor strain landed him on the IL. The rotation became even more shorthanded after Nick Martinez pitched two innings in relief over the weekend in St. Louis. And while most of Reds Country is ecstatic to see Burns make his big league debut tonight, he was far from their only option.

Not only were there a couple of serviceable arms available at Triple-A Louisville — Aaron Wilkerson and Bran Van Belle among them — but former All-Star pitcher Kyle Gibson just hit the free agent market. The fact that Burns got the call over Gibson tells you all you need to know about Cincinnati's feelings toward the former St. Louis Cardinals starter.

Chase Burns call-up shows how little Reds thought of this All-Star option

Gibson was part of the Cardinals rotation in 2024, but became a free agent during the offseason and signed a one-year, $5.25 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles. This was Gibson's second stint with the O's, but he failed miserably. After four starts and an ERA approaching 17.00, Baltimore designated Gibson for assignment last month.

After passing through waivers, the right-hander latched on with the Tampa Bay Rays on a minor-league deal. Gibson rehabbed his image a bit with four strong starts for the Durham Bulls. The veteran logged over 17 innings and struck out 22 batters while posting a 0.52 ERA. Not seeing a path to pitch for the Rays, however, Gibson exercised his opt-out last week.

If the Reds were looking for a veteran arm, they could've easily inked Gibson to an affordable contract and plugged him into the starting rotation alonside Martinez, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Brady Singer. Instead, Cincinnati will turn to their top pick from last year's draft.

This is just another example of a change in mindset for the Reds' front office. Hiring Terry Francona, DFA'ing Jeimer Candelario, and turning their nose up to a serviceable veteran like Gibson are all indications that Cincinnati has bigger plans than just competing this season. The Reds want to win, and choosing Burns over Gibson suggests a winning mindset.

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