Audio By Carbonatix
The Boston Red Sox absolutely destroyed Cincinnati Reds rookie pitcher Chase Burns during the second start of his MLB career. He was tipping his pitches so the batters knew what to expect.
It was a disaster.
Burns, 22, was drafted into Major League Baseball with the No. 2 overall pick in 2024. The former Wake Forest ace was named as the ACC Pitcher of the Year as a junior with an astonishing 191 strikeouts. Cincinnati ultimately signed him to a record $9.25 million signing bonus.
It did not take long for Burns to get the call to the Bigs. He only made his professional debut on the Single-A level in April. He recorded 89 strikeouts with only 13 total walks on the A+, AA and AAA levels with a 1.77 ERA over 66 innings pitched. Nobody could hit him.
As a result of his dominance, the Reds decided to promote Chase Burns on June 24. His debut was a great success. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound righty became the first starting pitcher since at least 1961 to strike out five consecutive batters to open his first MLB start and finished with eight in total. He allowed six hits and three earned runs in a no-decision against the New York Yankees.
Burns’ second career start on the Major League level was not quite as good. In fact, it was bad. He gave up seven runs (five earned) on five hits and two walks in the first inning and recorded only one out before he was relieved. His low whiff rate, especially on his four-seam fastball, and high barrel rate seem to validate the idea that he was tipping pitches. The theory was first suggested by the Red Sox’s broadcast.
Here is the Red Sox broadcast talking about Chase Burns possibly tipping his pitches. #Reds pic.twitter.com/mDJuWpIOF4
— Reds Daily (@RedsDaily4) June 30, 2025
If you look at the video, it seems as though Burns tucks and turns his front half (shoulder, glove, leg) a lot more during his windup when he is throwing the slider compared to his fastball. His windup is also faster when he is throwing the slider.
Later in same AB vs Duran. Same tuck/turn, even sped up his delivery throwing the slider: pic.twitter.com/scfhc7Sz9O
— Brandon Curry (@bdotcurry) July 1, 2025
You can also see a difference with his elbow. On the left is his fastball. On the right is his slider.
The Red Sox jumped all over Chase Burns’ first pitch during multiple at-bats. They must’ve deciphered the discrepancy in his delivery. On the left is his fastball. On the right is his slider.
I would not be surprised if the Red Sox watched Burns’ start against the Yankees and figured out his tell. They took full advantage of the tipped pitches during his horrific outing on Monday night!