The Cincinnati Reds just dropped a mind-blowing $105 million on right-hander Chase Burns for seven years, locking down their ace until 2033. This isn't your usual Reds move, especially for a squad currently stuck in last place in the NL Central who isn't looking like they'll make a postseason run this season. But even with the current struggles, this year isn't a total bust, thanks to guys like Elly De La Cruz absolutely crushing it and Sal Stewart making the All-Star team, looking like a real cornerstone for the future. And then there's Burns, who's been a bona fide Cy Young contender all season long. Yeah, you read that right.
Burns Is Locked In, And He's Worth Every Penny
ESPN's Jeff Passan broke the news: Burns, a 23-year-old righty who's been one of the best young pitchers in baseball, just inked a monster deal with no club options. The dude was an All-Star this season, and the Reds just committed big money to keep him in Cincinnati for the long haul. Think about it: a team that usually keeps its wallet pretty tight just threw $105 million at a single pitcher. That's a massive statement. This isn't some minor upgrade; this is a franchise investing in its future with one of the game's brightest young arms. This contract even ties the huge deal they gave Homer Bailey, which was their franchise record for a pitcher. The Reds definitely believe in Burns.A New Era of Spending for Cincinnati?
This deal for Burns is a game-changer because it signals a major shift in how the Reds are doing business. For a team known for not exactly splashing cash around, this is a huge sign of intent. Why does that matter so much? Because there's been some worry about getting deals done for their other young stars like De La Cruz and Stewart. But if the Reds are willing to drop this kind of cash on Burns, an All-Star pitcher, then they absolutely should be willing to do the same for their other key young talent. This $105 million contract for Burns is a huge first step toward keeping this young, exciting core together in Cincinnati for years to come. Cincinnati fans have to be hyped about this. Knowing your team is willing to lock up its best players well into the future? That's what you want to see. The jury might still be out on De La Cruz and Stewart's extensions, but the Burns deal just blew the doors open on those conversations. It's an exciting time to be a Reds fan, watching their young core start to gel and the front office actually backing them with serious cash.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.