MLB execs shamefully exclude Reds' top prospect despite high praise of Chase Burns

The latest set of predictions this offseason won't have Cincinnati Reds fans jumping for joy. Despite putting together six impressive starts in the majors last season, it was not enough to convince league executives that an award-winning season could be on the way in 2025. MLB.com polled execs regarding their thoughts on the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year.

Reds starting pitcher Rhett Lowder was left off the list entirely; which is a bit of a head-scratcher. If anything, this will only further fuel Lowder into pulverizing the opposition once again in a season where the Reds are looking to contend for the postseason.

MLB executives count out Rhett Lowder in Rookie of the Year poll

Dylan Crews of the Washington Nationals led all votes, receiving 50% of the love from executives. Matt Shaw of the Chicago Cubs earned the second-most votes, followed by Bubba Chandler of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Jordan Lawlar of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

These are all fine choices, but let's not forget how good Lowder was after being called up in September. He allowed just four earned runs across 30 ⅔ innings alongside 22 strikeouts. His stuff was filthy, and his horizontal movement constantly had hitters guessing. That swing-and-miss trend should continue if Lowder elects to mix up his pitches as often as he did last year.

As if Lowder's 1.17 ERA at surface level was not persuasive enough, his final two outings of the season were dominant. He didn't allow a run in his last 10 innings, which spanned a pair of starts against the Pirates and the Cubs. Lowder ended on a good note, which should buy him some cushion whenever the Reds cement an Opening Day rotation.

It may still be difficult to find a spot on the starting staff for Lowder to begin his 2025 campaign, but the Reds need to take every measure to ensure he gets time on the mound in some manner. The right-hander proved he is major league-ready, whether executives believe in him or not.

Though the MLB execs carelessly omitted Lowder, they did have high praise for last year's No. 2 overall draft pick Chase Burns. The Reds' right-hander is viewed by MLB Pipeline to be the second-best pitching prospect in baseball behind Detroit Tigers' phenom Jackson Jobe.

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