Reds Fans Hyped After Star Prospect's Debut Confirmed Against Yankees

Reds Fans Hyped After Star Prospect’s Debut Confirmed Against Yankees originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

At just 22 years old, Chase Burns is getting the call to Major League Baseball. The Cincinnati Reds, sitting at 41-38 and just 5.5 games back in the National League Central, are getting a much-needed boost.

As the Reds face the New York Yankees in the second game of a three-game series, they’ll get their first look at the No. 2 overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft on June 24.

Burns, originally from Naples, Italy, started his college career at Tennessee before transferring to Wake Forest via the portal. Now, he’s ready for the big stage.

“The Reds’ No. 1 prospect has been added to the taxi squad and is scheduled to start tomorrow and make his MLB debut against the Yankees.”

That announcement had Reds fans buzzing.

“I prayed for this,” says this fan.

This fan is pumped up: “Superstar. Ready to watch him dominate in Cincinnati.”

More praise here: “Can’t believe and can believe Chase Burns is an MLB starter after just months of MILB starts. The Wake Forest Pitching Lab is the real deal.”

Even this Cubs fan is excited: “Let’s go! Can’t wait to see him throw triple digits(except vs the Cubs.)”

This fan has some FOMO: “It’s times like this where I hate that I live so far away from Cincinnati. It’s gonna be an awesome night and the start of what hopefully will be a great Major League career for Chase Burns.”

Posted here: “Welcome to The Show, Chase!”

Another welcomed him simply: “Welcome to The Show, Chase!”

Tennessee's Chase Burns (23)© Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Burns signed with the Reds for $9.25 million, breaking the MLB signing bonus record previously held by Paul Skenes. He made his professional debut in April with the Dayton Dragons.

When he takes the mound Tuesday night, Burns will become just the fifth Italian-born pitcher in MLB history. He will also be the first pitcher from the 2024 MLB draft class to make his debut.

When talking to the media, Brad Meador, Reds general manager told the Cincinnati Enquirer they’re trying everything to win.

“We’re trying to give ourselves every chance to win and be in this, and right now we feel like Chase gives us the best chance, and it’s time to go. Our guys have fought back and had a good run here, and then losing Hunter (Greene) and then losing Wade (Miley). It might have come a little quicker than we wanted, but I think he’s ready.”

Cincinnati hosts the Yankees Tuesday and Wednesday before a scheduled off day Thursday. The Reds will then welcome the San Diego Padres over the weekend.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.

Reds Fans Hyped After Star Prospect’s Debut Confirmed Against Yankees

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