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The Cincinnati Reds have made a big financial investment with significant upside but also tremendous risk. According to MLB insider Jeff Passan, the Reds and right-handed pitcher Chase Burns have agreed to a seven-year, $105 million contract extension. The deal runs through the 2033 season, contains no club options, and buys out all of Burns’ arbitration years along with at least one season of free agency. It’s a major commitment from Cincinnati, but one that could end up looking like one of the best bargains in MLB.
MORE: MLB Power Rankings after the 2026 All-Star break
Jun 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Chase Burns (26) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Burns, just 23 years old, has enjoyed a sensational 2026 campaign. The young right-hander earned his first All-Star selection and has emerged as one of the leading candidates for the National League Cy Young Award, establishing himself as one of baseball’s brightest young aces.
Rather than allowing his price tag to continue climbing over the next few seasons, the Reds acted quickly to secure their franchise pitcher before he reached free agency.
Jul 8, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Chase Burns (26) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
The extension appears to benefit both the organization and the player. For Cincinnati, locking up Burns at an average annual value of $15 million could prove to be a tremendous value if he continues developing into one of the league’s elite pitchers. Based on the current market, a Cy Young-caliber starter could eventually command $25-30 million per season or even more.
By acting now, the Reds may have saved themselves tens of millions of dollars over the life of the contract.
Burns also comes out ahead. Instead of waiting through the arbitration process over the next few years, he receives immediate financial security with a life-changing payday while remaining with the organization that drafted and developed him.
The extension sends a strong message about Cincinnati’s direction. Rather than viewing Burns as a player they’ll have to worry about retaining later, the Reds have made him a foundational piece of their future.
With one of baseball’s top young arms now under contract through 2033, Cincinnati can continue building around a pitcher who has already shown he has the talent to anchor a championship-caliber rotation.
If Burns continues on his current trajectory, this seven-year agreement could eventually be remembered as one of the smartest contract extensions of the decade.
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MORE: MLB Power Rankings after the 2026 All-Star break
Betting on a Rising Superstar
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Jun 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Chase Burns (26) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Burns, just 23 years old, has enjoyed a sensational 2026 campaign. The young right-hander earned his first All-Star selection and has emerged as one of the leading candidates for the National League Cy Young Award, establishing himself as one of baseball’s brightest young aces.
Rather than allowing his price tag to continue climbing over the next few seasons, the Reds acted quickly to secure their franchise pitcher before he reached free agency.
A Win for Both Sides
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Jul 8, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Chase Burns (26) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
The extension appears to benefit both the organization and the player. For Cincinnati, locking up Burns at an average annual value of $15 million could prove to be a tremendous value if he continues developing into one of the league’s elite pitchers. Based on the current market, a Cy Young-caliber starter could eventually command $25-30 million per season or even more.
By acting now, the Reds may have saved themselves tens of millions of dollars over the life of the contract.
Burns also comes out ahead. Instead of waiting through the arbitration process over the next few years, he receives immediate financial security with a life-changing payday while remaining with the organization that drafted and developed him.
Reds Building for the Future
The extension sends a strong message about Cincinnati’s direction. Rather than viewing Burns as a player they’ll have to worry about retaining later, the Reds have made him a foundational piece of their future.
With one of baseball’s top young arms now under contract through 2033, Cincinnati can continue building around a pitcher who has already shown he has the talent to anchor a championship-caliber rotation.
If Burns continues on his current trajectory, this seven-year agreement could eventually be remembered as one of the smartest contract extensions of the decade.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
