As the 2024–25 offseason began, many Cincinnati Reds fans expected the team to work on long-term extensions for several of their young stars. Elly De La Cruz, Tyler Stephenson, and Spencer Steer were all viewed as top candidates for new deals last winter.
However, when all was said and done, reports indicated that Matt McLain turned down the Reds’ offer, and backup catcher Jose Trevino ended up being the only player to sign an extension. Naturally, fans are now hoping for a stronger commitment from the front office and ownership this offseason.
While De La Cruz, Stephenson, and Steer should still be priorities, one player stands out as the clear choice for a new contract. The Reds shouldn’t overthink this — they need to lock up Chase Burns with a long-term extension before Opening Day.
Chase Burns is the one contract extension candidate the Reds can’t ignore
Burns made his Major League debut this past season, and although a short stint on the injured list caused some concern, his stellar rookie campaign gave Reds fans a glimpse of what’s to come.
Over 13 appearances (eight of them starts), Burns posted a 4.57 ERA and an impressive 2.65 FIP, striking out 35.6% of opposing hitters. He even tossed a hitless outing in his postseason debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Much like the Reds did with Hunter Greene after his rookie year, Cincinnati’s front office should demonstrate its faith in Burns by securing him with a long-term deal.
Some may argue that there’s no rush, given that Burns is already under team control through 2031. But as the Reds learned with Greene, locking in a potential ace early can lead to major financial savings down the line. Greene’s contract has become one of the best bargains in baseball — and one of the reasons his name often surfaces in trade talks.
Another young player worth monitoring is Sal Stewart. His time in Triple-A and the majors was much shorter, and the Reds would be wise to ensure his development continues on an upward trajectory before committing to him long term.
For Cincinnati to build sustained success, they must secure these kinds of extensions before their young talents blossom into full-fledged stars. Burns has all the makings of one, and the Reds should make it a priority to keep the 22-year-old flamethrower in their plans for years to come.
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