The Cincinnati Reds Finally Made the Move Fans Were Waiting For | Red Hot Reds Podcast

Get your FrostBuddy today!: https://frostbuddy.com/REDHOTREDS Help us get us 500 Subscribers!    / @redhotredspodcast   Socials and audio: https://linktr.ee/redhotredspodcast Chase Burns’ 7-Year Extension Gives Reds a Franchise Ace Through 2033 The Cincinnati Reds made one of their biggest moves in years by signing rookie standout Chase Burns to a seven-year, $105 million contract extension that keeps the right-hander under team control through the 2033 season. The hosts of the Red Hot Reds podcast praised the deal as a major statement from the organization, especially after a disappointing first half of the season. Rather than entering the All-Star break surrounded by frustration, the Reds shifted the conversation by locking up one of baseball's brightest young pitchers. Chase Burns Extension Signals Long-Term Commitment The podcast highlights several reasons why the extension makes sense: Burns becomes the Reds' long-term ace through 2033. The $105 million deal is viewed as fair market value for an elite young starter. Cincinnati joins other small-market clubs that are extending young stars before free agency drives prices higher. The contract could become a bargain if MLB salaries continue rising after the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The hosts also speculate that Burns' absence from the All-Star Game may have been precautionary while contract negotiations were being finalized. Why the Reds Made This Move Now According to the discussion, Cincinnati appears to be following the same strategy used by clubs like Milwaukee and Seattle: Lock up elite talent early. Avoid skyrocketing arbitration salaries. Gain cost certainty before future CBA changes. Build around a young core rather than relying on free agency. Despite concerns over ownership spending, the Burns extension is viewed as evidence that the Reds are willing to invest in cornerstone players. Is the Contract Worth the Risk? The podcast acknowledges that long-term contracts for pitchers always carry injury risk. Potential concerns include: Pitcher durability over seven seasons. Burns currently relying primarily on a fastball-slider combination. Comparisons to past pitching contracts like Homer Bailey. However, the hosts believe the risk is justified because: Burns is already one of MLB's top young pitchers. Similar extensions are becoming common across baseball. The annual salary could look team-friendly in just a few years. They also point to Hunter Greene's development as proof that young pitchers can successfully add additional pitches over time. Will the Reds Shut Chase Burns Down This Season? One of the biggest questions discussed is whether Cincinnati should limit Burns' innings if the club falls further out of playoff contention. The hosts suggest: If the Reds remain in the Wild Card race, Burns should continue starting. If they become clear sellers at the trade deadline, shutting him down in late August or September would protect their long-term investment. Managing workload now could help preserve Burns for future playoff runs. Could Sal Stewart Be Next? The conversation then shifts to another potential extension candidate: Sal Stewart. Reasons the hosts believe Stewart deserves consideration include: Outstanding rookie campaign. All-Star selection. Breaking Frank Robinson's Reds rookie home run record. Emerging as a cornerstone alongside Burns, Hunter Greene, and Elly De La Cruz. However, they note that previous extension talks reportedly stalled, meaning Stewart's asking price has likely increased significantly after his breakout season. Reds Core Beginning to Take Shape The hosts identify what they believe could become Cincinnati's long-term foundation: Chase Burns Hunter Greene Elly De La Cruz Sal Stewart Andrew Abbott (possible fifth cornerstone) Securing Burns is viewed as the first major step toward building a sustainable contender rather than relying solely on player development and arbitration. Key Takeaway The Chase Burns extension is widely seen as one of the Reds' best organizational moves in years. While questions remain about the team's playoff outlook and future extensions for players like Sal Stewart, Cincinnati has secured a potential franchise ace through 2033. If Burns continues developing into one of baseball's elite starters, the seven-year, $105 million contract could become one of the better long-term values in Major League Baseball. SEO Keywords: Chase Burns extension, Cincinnati Reds, Reds contract extension, Chase Burns contract Welcome to the Red Hot Reds Podcast. We cover the Cincinnati #Reds from MLB to the Minor Leagues to even Dominican Leagues! We are the only podcast that provides in-depth analysis of the #Reds Minor League System with our Monday Show: Minor League Mondays! Go Reds! #MLB #MiLB 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/46849399...