Reds shouldn't overcomplicate the one contract extension they can't ignore

Heading into the 2024-25 offseason, most Cincinnati Reds fans assumed that the organization would look to offer contract extensions to a number of their young players. Elly De La Cruz, Tyler Stephenson, and Spencer Steer were all thought to be prime candidates to receive a long-term deal last winter.

When the dust finally settled, however, Matt McLain reportedly rejected the Reds' offer and backup catcher Jose Trevino was the lone player who signed an extension with the club. Needless to say, Reds fans are hoping to see a bigger investment from the front office and ownership this offseason.

De La Cruz, Stephenson, and Steer could (and should) still be on the Reds' shortlist, but there is one player who seems like an obvious candidate to receive a contract extension this offseason. There's no need for the Reds to overcomplicate this easy decision, and they should sign Chase Burns to a long-term deal before Opening Day.

Chase Burns is the one contract extension candidate the Reds can't ignore

Burns made his Major League debut this past season, and while his brief stint on the injured list may have raised a few eyebrows, his outstanding performance during his rookie year gave Reds fans a preview of coming attractions.

Burns made 13 appearances, including eight starts and posted a 4.57 ERA and 2.65 FIP. The fireballer struck out 35.6% of the batters he faced, and didn't allow a hit during his playoff debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Much like the Reds did with Hunter Greene after his first Major League season, Cincinnati's ownership needs to show a commitment to Burns, and lock him up for the foreseeable future.

Some fans will inevitably point to the fact that Burns is already under team control through 2031. So, what's the rush? Well, as the Cincinnati faithful have already seen with Greene, locking up an ace-level arm early in his career can lead to some monumental cost savings down the road. Greene is arguably one of the best bargains in baseball, which is one of the biggest reasons why his name has garnered so much attention in trade rumors of late.

Sal Stewart is another name to keep an eye on. His performance, however, was much more abbreviated — both at Triple-A and the major leagues. Cincinnati might do well to make sure his numbers continue to trend in the right direction before fully committing to the 21-year-old over the long haul.

In order to maintain sustained success, the Reds have to strike these types of extensions before their budding stars turn into bonafide All-Stars. Burns has that type of potential, and the Reds would do well to hitch their wagon to the 22-year-old flamethrower for the foreseeable future.