New MLB Rumors Reveal Historic Chase Burns, Reds Contract Extension After All-Star Nod

The Cincinnati Reds are wasting no time in locking up their best young player and future face of the franchise.

According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Reds and All-Star pitcher Chase Burns agreed to a seven-year, $105 million contract extension on Thursday, marking the largest guarantee in MLB history for a pitcher with less than four years of service time. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal added that the deal includes no options or deferrals.

The deal runs through 2033, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Burns' deal ties Homer Bailey's for the largest pitching contract in Cincinnati history, per the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

After going 0-3 in 13 appearances with eight starts in 2025, Burns has emerged as one of the most dominant pitchers in the majors. He has an 11-1 record with a 2.54 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 102.2 innings pitched, tying for second in MLB in wins. At one point this season, he went 12 straight starts allowing two runs or fewer.

He didn't pitch in Tuesday night's All-Star Game due to a tight right groin as the National League suffered a 4-0 loss to the American League.

The No. 2 pick in the 2024 MLB draft, Burns has enjoyed a swift rise to superstardom. However, his individual brilliance hasn't been enough for the Reds to build on the momentum of last year's playoff berth, as they rank last in the NL Central this season with a 43-52 record.

Still, Burns' extension provides a reason for optimism in Cincinnati. This isn't the first time the Reds have taken a proactive step in signing young talent, as they also signed starting pitcher Hunter Greene to a six-year contract extension worth a maximum of $95 million in 2023.

Holding on to Burns and other young stars will be the key to helping Cincinnati reach a level where it can sustain success and contend for a playoff spot every year.