Reds News: Chase Burns hype, Phillies ink ex-catcher, teenage pitcher signs MiLB deal

Chase Burns was thrust into the spotlight in 2025 after the Cincinnati Reds rotation suffered some unexpected losses midway through the season. Injuries to Wade Miley and Hunter Greene forced the Reds' to make a move, and Burns met the moment. The Reds are hoping for even bigger things from the flamethrower in 2026.

Burns was drafted in 2024 and made his Major League debut less than a year later. The Wake Forest product was an advanced prospect coming out of college, and was always expected to rocket up the Minor League ladder rather quickly. But even the most optimistic fan didn't think Burns would be on the Reds roster prior to September call-ups.

The right-hander received the call on June 24 and made his big league debut against the New York Yankees. Burns tossed five innings and allowed three runs on six hits while striking out eight. He went on the IL midway through his 2025 campaign, but returned in September and finished out his rookie season while pitching out the bullpen. It was a successful debut for Burns, and he ended the year with 67 punch outs in just over 43 innings of work.

Reds News: MLB insider Ken Rosenthal predicts a big year for Chase Burns in 2026

The Reds front office and coaching staff are certainly hopeful that Burns can carry over his success from 2025 into the coming year. Burns' 4.57 ERA was less than stellar, but his 2.65 FIP might be a better indicator of what's to come over a full season in 2026.

Reds fans can count MLB insider Ken Rosenthal among those who believe Burns will breakout next season. During an appearance on the Foul Territory Podcast, Rosenthal cited the Reds' fireballer as his breakout candidate for 2026.

Rosenthal was effusive in his praise of the Reds rotation heading into next season. In addition to Burns, Cincinnati will send out the likes of Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Brady Singer, while also having Rhett Lowder, Brandon Williamson, and Chase Petty waiting in the wings. What's not to like?

Reds News: Former catcher Mark Koloszvary signs with Phillies, Cincy inks Venezuelan pitcher to MiLB deal

The 2022 season is one that most Reds fans would like to forget. Not only did the Cincinnati faithful watch their favorite team sell off fan-favorites like Eugenio Suárez, Sonny Gray, and Jesse Winker, but after Tyler Stephenson landed on the IL having played just 50 games, Reds fans also saw seven different catchers hanging signs for the pitching staff that season.

Among them was former seventh-round draft pick Mark Koloszvary. The backstop made his Major League debut for the Reds that season and appeared in just 10 games before being sent back to the minors. Koloszvary has bounced around to several different organizations over the last few years, but will now look to latch on with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2026 after signing a minor-league deal.

Speaking of minor-league deals, according to the transactions log, the Reds inked Venezuelan pitcher David Mendoza to a contract earlier this week. The 17-year-old right-hander signed a minor-league with the Reds and was assigned to the team's Dominican League affiliate.