Less than a year after being drafted, former Tennessee pitcher Chase Burns is already off to MLB, getting called up by the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday, June 21.

Burns, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2024 MLB Draft, has been dominant across three minor-league levels this season, as he holds a 1.77 ERA with 89 strikeouts in 66 innings. The former Vol made his professional debut on April 4, 2025, as he was held out of action after being drafted last summer.

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The Gallatin, Tennessee, native played the first two seasons of his college career at Tennessee but transferred to Wake Forest for his junior year in 2024. The former high-end high school prospect recorded an 8-2 record with a 2.91 ERA as a freshman but was demoted from the starting rotation and turned into a dominant reliever in 2023 before transferring.

Burns broke the MLB record for most lucrative signing bonus for a draftee ever in 2024, as he signed with the Cincinnati Reds for $9.25 million. He only made two starts in Triple-A before being selected by the Reds.

“You never know for sure when the right time is. But he’s had as good a first year as you could hope for. He’s passed every test,” Reds general manager Brad Meador said via MLB.com. “We’ve moved him to every level and he continues to get better and stronger. We feel like now is the right time for him and for us. We feel like he’s ready and we have a spot open. He gives us the best chance.”

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Burns is the No. 11-rated prospect in all of MLB, according to MLB Pipeline. The No. 3-ranked pitcher in the minors, Burns has a 65-grade fastball and 70-grade slider, as his two signature pitches rank among the best in the sport.

Here’s everything to know of Burns’ call-up, and when to expect his first MLB start in 2025:

When will Chase Burns make first MLB start?

Burns, who has not yet been officially activated, will join the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, June 24, to make his MLB debut against the New York Yankees at home. Meador confirmed the news to reporters on Jun 21.

The Reds are experiencing a myriad of injuries from their starting rotation, including ace Hunter Greene and veteran Wade Miley, which has opened the door for Burns. Another former Wake Forest pitcher, Rhett Lowder, is also on the injured list.

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Burns is the fifth player from the 2024 MLB Draft to be called up to MLB, joining Nick Kurtz, Jac Caglianone, Christian Moore and Cam Smith.

Chase Burns stats

Here’s a look at Chase Burns’ stats in 2025:

2025: 7-3 record with 1.77 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 66 innings pitched. 0.773 WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Chase Burns, former Tennessee pitcher, being called up by Reds