Reds select Wake Forest ace Chase Burns with No. 2 pick

With the second overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Cincinnati Reds selected Chase Burns, a right-handed pitcher from Wake Forest University.

It's no surprise Burns was the first pitcher selected in the draft following an up-and-down collegiate career that ended with a dominant campaign for the Demon Deacons, where he went 10-1 with a 17.2 K/9 in 100 innings.

Bio

Age: 21
Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6-3, 210 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
School: Wake Forest
Pick value (2nd): $9,785,000

2024 Stats

Tools

• Touches 102 with heater
• Slider (70-grade)
• Commands strike zone well

Why fans will love this player

• Frontline starter potential
• Struck out 191 in 100 innings in 2024

Things he'll need to overcome

• Fastball is hard but comes in very straight
• Changeup needs further development
• High ceiling but could wind up as a reliever

Pre-draft projections

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