Second-overall pick Chase Burns received a $9.25 million bonus from the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, according to Jim Callis of MLB.com, breaking Paul Skenes’ record for the largest draft bonus in MLB history.
Skenes previously signed for a $9.2 million bonus after being selected with the first-overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Burns is the only rookie from the 2024 class to officially sign thus far.
The right-hander pitched his first two seasons of college at Tennessee before transferring to Wake Forest ahead of the 2023 season.
In his junior and final season in the NCAA, Burns struck out a Wake Forest record 191 batters and recorded a 2.70 ERA in 100 innings.
The Cincinnati Reds made a splash in the 2021 MLB Draft by selecting high school pitcher Chase Burns as their No. 2 overall pick. The Reds signed Burns to a record-breaking $9.25 million bonus, the largest signing bonus in draft history for a high school pitcher.
Burns, a 6-foot-4 right-hander from Beech High School in Hendersonville, Tennessee, was one of the most highly touted prospects in this year’s draft class. Known for his electric stuff on the mound, Burns has a fastball that can reach triple digits and a devastating curveball that keeps hitters off balance.
The Reds were thrilled to have the opportunity to draft Burns and were willing to break the bank to secure his services. The $9.25 million bonus is a testament to their belief in his potential and their commitment to building a strong pitching staff for the future.
Burns will now begin his professional career in the Reds’ minor league system, where he will have the opportunity to develop his skills and work his way up to the big leagues. With his impressive arsenal of pitches and projectable frame, Burns has the potential to become a key piece of the Reds’ rotation for years to come.
Overall, the signing of Chase Burns represents a major coup for the Cincinnati Reds and a significant investment in the future of their pitching staff. Fans can look forward to seeing Burns take the mound in the years to come and hopefully lead the Reds to success on the field.