Chase Burns #2 overall pick 2024 draft

[Mitri]

They also passed on Hagen Smith who signed for 8.0 million and most considered him very close to Burns if not better. The Reds could've landed another top flight prep player with that extra $.

But they liked Burns better, so why would they do that?

[backbencher]

I just don’t get this idea that’s cropped up heavy lately about us being hamstrung into spending all our prospect capital on pitching.

1) we don’t sign surefire cornerstone players; period. On either side of the ball.
2) If market value starters carry too much risk (because of injury I’m assuming), that applies to draft picks just the same.

Think of it this way: Cash and picks can be substituted for each other to some extent, but not perfectly. Compared to other teams, the Reds are cash poor. Compared to other teams, the Reds are draft pick rich (and never will be worse than neutral).

The team actually putting up the wins (or losses) is paid in cash, not draft picks. So you optimize your cash first, wanting to see the maximum possible payroll available for the maximum number of games/innings. Pitchers don't see the field every day, and are much more likely to be injured. Putting cash there decreases the active payroll on the field from day to day.

But you still need pitching. Which is why you invest your other precious assets - top draft picks - to get it.

[texasdave]

I double that if Hagen Smith was the #2 selection in the draft that he would have signed for 8 million.

[corkedbat]

The one thing that makes me a little antsy about the Burns over Condon is admittedly probably a good bit irrational on my part.

Both Condon and Burns are outstanding prospects, well worth the number two pick in the draft. Like most all picks there is the spectre of a bust. On the plus side with Condon, I could see him moving quickly and if he lives up to the hype he could be the perfect piece as a huge RH bat and RF stalwart (filling the biggest Reds positional hole going forward). With Burns, he may well be a rotational mainstay that would seem to fit very nicely in a rotation along with Greene, Lodolo, Abbott, Lowder, Williamson, Ashcraft (I get "all tingly" at the thought of a dominant Reds rotation).

Where my irrational dread rears it's head lies in Burns' right arm. I know I'm being silly, but I can't help but feel that with a frontline starting pitcher, when it comes to "fast-tracking" you also have to cook a missed year for TJ (or other arm ailment) into the mix and at least a good bit of a second season just to "get right" again.

Yeah, an OF can just as easily suffer a season-ending injury as a pitcher - and I've said I'm being silly - but I dread the sick feeling I know I'll have in the pit of my stomach if 2-2.5 years from now Condon is mashing for the Rox as Burns goes under the knife.

[Benihana]

Is Burns going to pitch in the minors this year?

[Kingspoint]

Is Burns going to pitch in the minors this year?

Bazzana began his career yesterday, knocking in the only run in a 1-0 game with a FCGO. He struck out his other two PA's and then was pinch-hit for in the 8th.

[Marc D]

Bazzana began his career yesterday, knocking in the only run in a 1-0 game with a FCGO. He struck out his other two PA's and then was pinch-hit for in the 8th.

You know that on Guardian Zone they have people calling him a bust and questioning the scouts about his speed.

GM is an idiot, should have taken Condon etc etc etc

[Ladeda]

You know that on Guardian Zone they have people calling him a bust and questioning the scouts about his speed.

GM is an idiot, should have taken Condon etc etc etc

Apparently both Indians and Reds fans mostly wanted Condon.

Last year Lowder didn't pitch after being drafted, so I'm expecting Burns to follow the same path. Even Skenes pitched like 6.2 innings last year after being drafted, so I'm not expecting to see Burns at all this year.

- - - Updated - - -

The one thing that makes me a little antsy about the Burns over Condon is admittedly probably a good bit irrational on my part.

Both Condon and Burns are outstanding prospects, well worth the number two pick in the draft. Like most all picks there is the spectre of a bust. On the plus side with Condon, I could see him moving quickly and if he lives up to the hype he could be the perfect piece as a huge RH bat and RF stalwart (filling the biggest Reds positional hole going forward). With Burns, he may well be a rotational mainstay that would seem to fit very nicely in a rotation along with Greene, Lodolo, Abbott, Lowder, Williamson, Ashcraft (I get "all tingly" at the thought of a dominant Reds rotation).

Where my irrational dread rears it's head lies in Burns' right arm. I know I'm being silly, but I can't help but feel that with a frontline starting pitcher, when it comes to "fast-tracking" you also have to cook a missed year for TJ (or other arm ailment) into the mix and at least a good bit of a second season just to "get right" again.

Yeah, an OF can just as easily suffer a season-ending injury as a pitcher - and I've said I'm being silly - but I dread the sick feeling I know I'll have in the pit of my stomach if 2-2.5 years from now Condon is mashing for the Rox as Burns goes under the knife.

That isn't irrational-- it's logical. I'm sure every team factors in health in regards to drafting a pitcher--- especially these days where it seems every SP gets injured.

[Kingspoint]

You know that on Guardian Zone they have people calling him a bust and questioning the scouts about his speed.

GM is an idiot, should have taken Condon etc etc etc

Well, that's pretty funny. All is can say is what Sam Wyche was referencing during a home game with Paul Brown laughing his head off upstairs.

[Brisco]

The one thing that makes me a little antsy about the Burns over Condon is admittedly probably a good bit irrational on my part.

Both Condon and Burns are outstanding prospects, well worth the number two pick in the draft. Like most all picks there is the spectre of a bust. On the plus side with Condon, I could see him moving quickly and if he lives up to the hype he could be the perfect piece as a huge RH bat and RF stalwart (filling the biggest Reds positional hole going forward). With Burns, he may well be a rotational mainstay that would seem to fit very nicely in a rotation along with Greene, Lodolo, Abbott, Lowder, Williamson, Ashcraft (I get "all tingly" at the thought of a dominant Reds rotation).

Where my irrational dread rears it's head lies in Burns' right arm. I know I'm being silly, but I can't help but feel that with a frontline starting pitcher, when it comes to "fast-tracking" you also have to cook a missed year for TJ (or other arm ailment) into the mix and at least a good bit of a second season just to "get right" again.

Yeah, an OF can just as easily suffer a season-ending injury as a pitcher - and I've said I'm being silly - but I dread the sick feeling I know I'll have in the pit of my stomach if 2-2.5 years from now Condon is mashing for the Rox as Burns goes under the knife.

OR a little over two years after being drafted, Burns is starting and winning games for the Reds (a la Andrew Abbott). Folks can continue to argue the draft choice all they want.... but Burns is part of the Reds now and it's time to start sending all the positive vibes we can in his direction.

[mth123]

I love the Burns pick. I'm suspicious of offensive numbers when so many guys were having huge season. I think its the environment. A rising river lifts all boats thing.

Along comes a pitcher who has been thriving in that environment.

We knew Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux were great because they were posting eras in the 2s in the highest scoring environment in history. Seems like Burns did the same thing this year in College. I'd rather take that than a guy who's numbers are a bit suspect because the environment was working in his favor.

[Ladeda]

I love the Burns pick. I'm suspicious of offensive numbers when so many guys were having huge season. I think its the environment. A rising river lifts all boats thing.

Along comes a pitcher who has been thriving in that environment.

We knew Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux were great because they were posting eras in the 2s in the highest scoring environment in history. Seems like Burns did the same thing this year in College. I'd rather take that than a guy who's numbers are a bit suspect because the environment was working in his favor.

I'm getting OT, but I too am really curious how the hitters in this draft do. A pitcher who dominates in a hitter environment is a good thing.

Bazzana right now is 5-18, with 7K's, 4 walks in High A.
Wetherholt 4-14, 2 doubles. 2K's, 3 walks in A ball.
Christian Moore is 6-11 in A ball, with 1 BB, Zero K's. Just got bumped to AA where he is 2-4. Only putting him on here because a.) Top 10 pick and b.) drafted by the Angels, so he will probably be in the majors next week. Kidding of course, well sort of-- as we all know the Angels like to get their 1st rounders to the majors ASAP.

Cags makes his minor league debut tonight in High A.

I still haven't found any info on when Condon makes his debut. He's the guy that most Reds fans seemed to want, so people will want to know how he does. Kurtz-- can't find any info on him either.

[Kingspoint]

I'm getting OT, but I too am really curious how the hitters in this draft do. A pitcher who dominates in a hitter environment is a good thing.

Bazzana right now is 5-18, with 7K's, 4 walks in High A.
Wetherholt 4-14, 2 doubles. 2K's, 3 walks in A ball.
Christian Moore is 6-11 in A ball, with 1 BB, Zero K's. Just got bumped to AA where he is 2-4. Only putting him on here because a.) Top 10 pick and b.) drafted by the Angels, so he will probably be in the majors next week. Kidding of course, well sort of-- as we all know the Angels like to get their 1st rounders to the majors ASAP.

Cags makes his minor league debut tonight in High A.

I still haven't found any info on when Condon makes his debut. He's the guy that most Reds fans seemed to want, so people will want to know how he does. Kurtz-- can't find any info on him either.

I don't think results matter for any of these guys as far as the organizations are concerned. I would think they are using this time to analyze them in order to come up with a gameplan that they can give to the Coaches as they move quickly up the levels. "Here's what we want so-and-so to focus on right now." Then at each level, it will be a different thing to focus on.

[UKFlounder]

Have the Reds officially said Burns is not pitching thus year? If not, can we assume that’s the case?

His might it affect what level he starts at or any innings limit next year? Does it matter or is taking it easy on his arm the right move?

[WrongVerb]

Have the Reds officially said Burns is not pitching thus year? If not, can we assume that’s the case?

His might it affect what level he starts at or any innings limit next year? Does it matter or is taking it easy on his arm the right move?

Top Draft pick's development plan mapped out

When it comes to his professional baseball debut, starting pitcher Chase Burns will be on hold until 2025.

Burns, who was the second overall pick out of Wake Forest in the 2024 MLB Draft last month, is working out at the team's complex in Goodyear, Ariz., with the goal of pitching in instructional league games in the fall.