MLB evaluator offers bold prediction for Reds top prospect Chase Burns

Last year, Cincinnati Reds top prospect Chase Burns set a single-season record with 191 strikeouts while pitching at Wake Forest University. His dominance was obvious, and Burns cllimbed up draft boards ahead of the July event, leading to him getting become the second-overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Outside of a smattering of outings in instructional ball, Burns still has not pitched professionally. But that hasn't stopped him from drawing some big-time predictions heading into the 2025 season. Backed by a fastball that can reach triple digits, Burns might be part of the Reds rotation sooner than many fans may have thought.

Reds prospects: Top evaluator predicts Chase Burns will follow in Rhett Lowder's shoes and make his MLB debut in 2025

Keith Law of The Athletic (subscription required) laid out Burns' chances of cracking the Reds roster in 2025 — just over year after being drafted. Burns' fellow Wake Forest alum, Rhett Lowder, did the same thing last season.

The 22-year-old has already been presented with a warm welcome this winter after he received a non-roster invite to spring training. This is a good sign, especially considering Burns hasn't even thrown a pitch professionally. The Reds are showing a visible interest in their latest investment, which cost them a record signing bonus over $9 million.

Burns has a lethal fastball-slider combination, so to see his arsenal in full effect against major league hitters right out of the gate would not only be exciting for Reds fans, but it will offer a glimpse into how ready he is for the big stage. If Burns performs well, then Law's prediction might actually come to fruition.

Burns will definitely see some time in the minors this season before Law's prognostication comes true. It took Lowder 22 starts in the minor leagues before he was called up to the Reds in late August — which came out of necessity more so than development. The Reds have mapped out checkpoints for Burns, and if all goes well, he might have a locker at Great American Ball Park even sooner than Lowder.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors