The Cincinnati Reds inked pitcher Chase Burns to a deal featuring a $9.25 million signing bonus, surpassing the previous record set by Pittsburgh Pirates star Paul Skenes last year. According to Jim Callis of MLB.com, the contract details were disclosed and officially signed on Thursday.
Burns sets a @MLBDraft record with a $9.25 million bonus. Best stuff in the draft, slider may be the best pitch in the draft. Surpasses the $9.2 million Paul Skenes got from @Pirates last year. https://t.co/xTg6nYT5qa
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 18, 2024
Burns, selected as the No. 2 pick in the 2024 MLB draft, excelled at Wake Forest where he earned ACC Pitcher of the Year honors. His impressive stats included a 10-1 record, a 2.70 ERA, and a 0.92 WHIP, along with a striking 191 strikeouts over 100 innings.
While many anticipated the Reds focusing on position players with their high pick, they were swayed by Burns’ exceptional fastball and slider combination, both topping 90 mph.
Wake Forest head coach Tom Walter praised Burns as the best college pitcher he’s seen, noting his prowess even compared to standout pitchers like Paul Skenes and Matt Harvey.
Looking ahead, Burns faces a challenge in adjusting to the increased home run rates typical of Cincinnati’s hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians secured Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana as the top overall pick, whose slot value exceeds $10 million, suggesting Burns’ record may not stand for long.