Former Tennessee Vols pitcher Chase Burns just broke the bank, and it’s probably a complete steal by the Cincinnati Reds
The rising MLB star just got paid in a big way, and it’s a great deal for his franchise.
It’s not every day that you can say handing out a nine-figure contract extension is highway robbery for the team giving it out. But that’s exactly the case for one-time Tennessee Vols hurler Chase Burns on Thursday.
The rising star for the Cincinnati Reds has every bit the look of a staff ace halfway through his second season. And that was enough of a sample size for his franchise to decide to act in a major way.
Per MLB insider Jon Morosi, Burns and the Reds have agreed to terms on a contract extension. It’s for seven years and $105 million.
Cincinnati Reds and Chase Burns reach agreement on 7-year, $105 million contract extension
Burns has been electric in 2026. In 18 starts, he has an 11.1 record. Across 102.2 innings, he’s posted a 2.54 ERA with 118 strikeouts to 37 walks. Opposing batters are hitting just .206 against him with a .277 on base percentage and a .358 slugging percentage. He earned his first All-Star nod this year.
And that’s exactly why it was brilliant for the Reds to act immediately, as the deal made sense for both sides. Burns gets his first major payday at a young age and gets financial security (and then some) for life. He’ll also come out of the extension around the age of 30 and in time for one more potential big deal.
The Reds, in turn, get a staff ace and potential perennial Cy Young contender for the price of $15 million per season. That’s a bargain for a top of the league caliber starting pitcher. By way of reference, per Spotrac, a $15 million average is in 46th place in Major League Baseball for the highest annual average value (AAV).
Sometimes negotiations work out better for one side or the other, but here, it’s certainly a win-win for both sides.