Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns showcased impressive skills in a recent game against the Washington Nationals, raising speculation about his potential for the Cy Young Award.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo (40) delivers a pitch in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Washington Nationals pitcher Jake Irvin (27) delivers a pitch in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) slides into second base in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) slides into second base in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Chase Burns delivered a strong performance, leading to discussions about his Cy Young potential.
Chase Burns is being compared favorably to other candidates due to his recent performance and young age.
The Cincinnati Reds faced the Washington Nationals on May 13, 2026.
Burns' performance could significantly impact the Reds' chances in the season and boost their pitching lineup.
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Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) hits a homer in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) runs the bases after hitting a home run in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) is embraced by teammates as he returns to the dugout after hitting a home run in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Washington Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz (20) runs the bases after hitting a home run in the second inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tejay Antone (70) delivers a pitch in the sixth inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brock Burke (49) delivers a pitch in the seventh inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds Chris Paddack looks on from the dugout in the eighth inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tony Santillan (64) delivers a pitch in the tenth inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Fans wait for the call on a review for a hit made by Cincinnati Reds first baseman Spencer Steer (7) in the tenth inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Washington Nationals designated hitter Daylen Lile (4) runs the bases after hitting a two-run homer in the tenth inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati. Nationals won 8-7.
Washington Nationals pitcher PJ Poulin (50) and first baseman Curtis Mead (45) embrace each other after defeating the Cincinnati Reds 8-7 in ten innings, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tony Santillan (64) looks on from the dugout after the Washington Nationals won 8-7 after ten innings, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo (40) delivers a pitch in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo (40) delivers a pitch in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Washington Nationals pitcher Jake Irvin (27) delivers a pitch in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) slides into second base in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) slides into second base in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) hits a homer in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) runs the bases after hitting a home run in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) is embraced by teammates as he returns to the dugout after hitting a home run in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Washington Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz (20) runs the bases after hitting a home run in the second inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tejay Antone (70) delivers a pitch in the sixth inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brock Burke (49) delivers a pitch in the seventh inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds Chris Paddack looks on from the dugout in the eighth inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tony Santillan (64) delivers a pitch in the tenth inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Fans wait for the call on a review for a hit made by Cincinnati Reds first baseman Spencer Steer (7) in the tenth inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Washington Nationals designated hitter Daylen Lile (4) runs the bases after hitting a two-run homer in the tenth inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati. Nationals won 8-7.
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Washington Nationals pitcher PJ Poulin (50) and first baseman Curtis Mead (45) embrace each other after defeating the Cincinnati Reds 8-7 in ten innings, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tony Santillan (64) looks on from the dugout after the Washington Nationals won 8-7 after ten innings, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Forget Rookie of the Year. Chase Burns can’t win it. He’s not eligible.
Maybe the Cincinnati Reds’ youngest pitcher will have to settle for the Cy Young Award.
Too early?
Not when a guy’s this talented, this overpowering, and pitching this well. Thursday, he pitched six more scoreless innings in the Reds' 15-1 victory over the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park.
Did anybody say it was too early to call Paul Skenes a threat to win every available league award the day he broke into the majors in 2024?
You know, Paul Skenes, the National League’s reigning Cy Young winner – the guy Burns just passed on MLB’s ERA leaderboard with his latest scoreless start.
Chase Burns pitched six shutout innings in the Reds' 15-1 victory over the Washington Nationals in the final game of their three-game series May 14.
Nobody has been better for the Reds in the early going than Burns, at a time the Reds never have needed a semblance of pitching stability more, and few in the game have done more on the mound than the 24-year-old right-hander so far this season.
When he pitched another six scoreless innings to beat the Washington Nationals 15-1 in the final game of a six-game homestand, he not only helped salvage a homestand split (earning two of the Reds’ three wins), but also stretched his streak of allowing two or fewer runs to six consecutive starts. He has allowed just one run in his last three starts combined (2-0, 19 innings, 0.47 ERA).
Seven weeks into the season, he certainly has put his name firmly on the list of early front-runners for All-Star considerations – and just as certainly earned a place on anyone’s early Cy Young-contender lists.
“He has the potential to do it, 100%,” veteran teammate Nick Lodolo said.
“I wouldn’t even want to put that on his head,” Lodolo added, “but it’s impressive for sure. He’s learning quick. Just from last year to this year. He’s really confident in his stuff, and he’s a good competitor. When you take that kind of stuff and you compete at the level he does, that’s what you’re gonna get.”
It’s hard to overstate the value of what it has meant for a Reds team that has watched its once-vaunted pitching depth all but disappear one injury at a time since the season began, eventually turning May into a continuous white-knuckled, white-water ride that dumped them from first place to last in the division, five games out entering Burns’ latest start.
“Regardless of what the waters (are), it’s fun to watch a good young pitcher get better,” manager Terry Francona said. “We’re kind of witnessing it right in front of our eyes, and it’s fun to watch.”
That’s the thing that people in the game call one of the most impressive things about Burns: how quickly he has learned and grown from an elite, raw talent into an elite, big-league pitcher in the 22 months since he was drafted second overall out of Wake Forest.
“We told him: learn fast,” Francona said. “And he is. He’s getting it. And he’s gonna get better.
Again, you’ve gotta retain your health. But there’s a lot to really not just like, but love.”
Burns, who allowed just two hits and struck out seven in that win over the Nats, seemed to take pride in that as much as the actual results.
“The learning curve’s getting smaller,” he said.”I feel like I’ve learned so much from last year to this year. Even from start to start. Just throwing stuff in the zone more, when to throw a slider, throwing it for more strikes …
“I’m very happy with the way I’m pitching, but that could change at any moment,” he added. “I really just care about my process, how I go about my business throughout the week, staying healthy throughout the week, arm care, bullpen, stuff like that. And then let game time do what it does. And whatever happens happens.”
Whatever happens?
Even before he beat the Nationals in his ninth start of the year, Burns ranked second in the National League in bWAR, fifth in ERA and was in the top 10 in strikeouts.
Here’s how he compares to Skenes, widely considered the best pitcher in the league, after that Nationals start (both have made nine starts):
All of these comparisons and talk about postseason awards are only as good as the next three-quarters of the season.
But what Burns has done so far might make him the team’s most valuable contributor during a stretch in which the Reds had the majors’ worst record in May (2-10) before Burns took the mound against the Nats.
And if he keeps up anything close to this, regardless of awards, it could make him one of the biggest reasons the Reds have a chance to do any of the big things they have planned this summer. And fall.
“For me it doesn’t really matter. It would be great,” Burns said, “but at the end of the day I’m just trying to help the team win and get to our final goal.”
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds starter Chase Burns dominant again in victory over Nationals