Chase Burns one start away from 30-start milestone as Reds manage workload

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns is one appearance away from reaching the 30-start threshold for the 2026 season, a milestone that highlights a notable shift in the club’s starting rotation depth. The 23-year-old right-hander made his 29th start on 18 September against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park, pitching three innings in a 6-4 victory.

Manager Terry Francona indicated that the organisation implemented an innings limit in late August to protect Burns’ development for the following season. Francona stated that the club prioritised getting Burns to this workload level to set him up for the future, while avoiding what he described as an "unsmart" move in the final stretch of the campaign.

Burns’ performance in the 2026 season has been a cornerstone of the Reds’ strategy. He enters this final stretch with a 15-3 record and an ERA of 2.86. His workload represents a considerable year-over-year increase, as he was limited to 13 games and eight starts in 2025. This progression follows a rapid rise through the minor leagues and a breakout season that included a selection to the National League roster for the MLB All-Star Game.

The milestone places Burns in the company of teammates Andrew Abbott and Brady Singer, who have also reached the 30-start mark this year. Abbott has logged 31 starts, while Singer has reached 30. This trio forms a stable core for the 2027 season, particularly as Hunter Greene, who logged a career-high 26 starts in 2024, is out of the picture for next year.

Contractual stability further underpins this rotation. Burns agreed to a seven-year, $105 million contract extension earlier in the year, shortly after his All-Star selection. Singer is expected to receive a qualifying offer this offseason, while other starters such as Rhett Lowder and Nick Lodolo provide additional depth. The club’s ability to maintain this starting pitching strength is viewed as a significant competitive advantage.

On the field, the Reds’ bullpen management has been a key factor in supporting this workload. Right-hander Julian Aguiar made his 2026 debut for Cincinnati on 18 September, entering from Triple-A Louisville to relieve Burns in the sixth inning. Aguiar held the Cubs, who were leading the National League wild card race, to two runs on four hits and was credited with the win. This move was necessitated by the use of Brandon Williamson, who had been piggybacking with Burns, in the previous day’s loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.