Chase Burns locked down a massive seven-year, $105 million extension with the Cincinnati Reds, and it's a jaw-dropper that just reset the market. This isn't some small deal either, folks, this is the largest guaranteed contract ever for a pitcher with less than four years of MLB experience. The Reds are clearly all in on their 23-year-old right-hander, who they snagged with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. Burns is already a 2026 National League All-Star, showing everyone exactly why he earned that big payday. He’s been lights out through 18 starts this season, boasting a 2.54 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP, and a ridiculous 118 strikeouts over 102 ⅔ innings. His 4.2 wins above replacement and 173 ERA+ tell you everything you need to know about his dominance. The kid is special, and the Reds just made sure he's staying put.
The Yankees Are Eyeing A Monster Bullpen Move
While the Reds were making big-time extensions, the New York Yankees are reportedly "loving the idea" of adding an absolute beast to their bullpen: San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller. This dude is legit, a 2026 All-Star himself, and it's only his fourth season in the bigs. He's got team control through 2029, so this isn't a rental situation. Miller’s numbers this season are just insane: a 0.91 ERA, a 0.78 WHIP, and 72 strikeouts across 39 ⅔ innings. Oh, and he’s perfect in save situations, going 25 for 25. The Padres picked him up from the Athletics at the 2025 trade deadline, and he's been lights out. The Yankees already have the best bullpen ERA in the American League, are second in MLB overall with a 3.10 ERA, tied for second in WHIP at 1.19, and fourth in opponent batting average at .225. Adding Miller to that mix would make an already terrifying bullpen practically unhittable. The Yankees are sitting pretty with the No. 1 AL wild-card seed at 54-42, while the Padres are scrambling, 3.5 games out of the third NL wild-card spot at 48-48. This move could swing the NL wild card picture even further.Brewers Scoop Up McCullers Jr. Amidst Astros' Struggles
In another big trade deadline move, the Houston Astros are sending Lance McCullers Jr. to the Milwaukee Brewers, and he even waived his no-trade clause to make it happen. The Astros are getting left-handed pitcher Colton Gordon in return. This is a huge change of scenery for McCullers, who’s had a rough go of it. He’s posted a 6.86 ERA over eight starts and 39 ⅓ innings this season. He still misses bats, whiffing just under 10 per nine, but his control has taken a hit and he’s been prone to the long ball the past two years after dealing with multiple elbow and forearm strains and a couple of surgeries. For the Astros, this move comes as they’re struggling in fourth place in the AL West, three games back of the Rangers and 1.5 back of a wild-card spot. They’ve been outscored by 47 runs this year. The Brewers, on the other hand, are absolutely thriving. They’re second in the majors with 59 wins, five games ahead of the Cubs. This trade feels like a shift for McCullers from a struggling team to a legitimate contender ready to make some noise. The trade deadline is fast approaching, and teams are making their moves! Will the Yankees get their guy in Miller? Can McCullers rediscover his form in Milwaukee? We’re about to find out!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.