In Chase for ace in 2027, Cincinnati Reds slow Burns way down in 2026

Milwaukee – Chase Burns, the Cincinnati Reds' promising young All-Star starter, is unlikely to win another game down the stretch this season. This decision stems from an innings-limit plan implemented for Burns, which has effectively diminished his prospects of winning a Cy Young Award. The plan may, however, contribute to a healthier and stronger 2027 season for the Reds, who have ambitious goals for the upcoming year.

Burns, who understands the greater importance of the plan for the team's future, has not expressed any complaints. He acknowledges that the decision is "just better for next year." Manager Terry Francona, however, has not publicly disclosed the specifics of the plan and refuses to reveal how many innings Burns will pitch in his final starts of the season. Burns has been lifted after three innings in recent games, with backup pitcher Brandon Williamson taking over the starting role.

Burns, whose contract includes a $105 million extension, has started all his remaining appearances this season in the piggyback plan with Williamson. This arrangement is expected to grant Burns a total of 30 starts. Currently, Burns has 148 1/3 innings pitched, which represents a career-high for a season at any level, exceeding the typical total by 39 innings.

He holds the top spot in the league in winning percentage (833), leads the Reds in bWAR (5.0) and ranks among the top 10 in MLB in ERA, wins, pitching WAR, and strikeouts per nine innings (10.7).

Burns remains optimistic about the season, stating that he has learned from his previous experiences and is determined to continue improving.