As the 2024–25 offseason begins, many Cincinnati Reds fans expected the team to lock up several of their young core players to long-term deals. Elly De La Cruz, Tyler Stephenson, and Spencer Steer were widely seen as top candidates for extensions last winter. Yet when all was said and done, Matt McLain reportedly turned down the Reds’ offer, and backup catcher Jose Trevino ended up being the only player to sign a new deal. Understandably, fans are now hoping for a stronger commitment from the front office this time around.
De La Cruz, Stephenson, and Steer should still be on the team’s radar, but there’s one player who stands out as an obvious priority — Chase Burns. Cincinnati shouldn’t overthink this decision; securing Burns with a long-term extension before Opening Day is the smart move.
Burns made his Major League debut this past season, and although a brief stint on the injured list drew some concern, his rookie campaign proved he’s a future cornerstone. Over 13 appearances (including eight starts), the right-hander posted a 4.57 ERA and a stellar 2.65 FIP, while striking out 35.6% of opposing hitters. In his playoff debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he didn’t allow a single hit — a glimpse of his immense potential.
Just as they did with Hunter Greene after his first big-league season, the Reds should show faith in Burns and lock him up early. While some may note that Burns is under team control through 2031, early extensions often pay off in the long run. Greene’s contract has already proven to be a bargain — one reason his name frequently surfaces in trade rumors.
Another young player worth watching is Sal Stewart. Though talented, his limited playing time in Triple-A and the majors suggests the Reds should be patient before making a long-term commitment.
If Cincinnati wants to build sustained success, they must secure their young stars before they become too expensive. Burns has ace-level potential, and committing to him now could help anchor the franchise for years to come.
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