WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Chase Burns, known for his blazing fastball and fiery demeanor on the mound, presents a striking contrast to his introspective and thoughtful nature off the field.
At 21, the right-handed pitcher wields a 100 mph fastball with remarkable frequency, which perfectly complements his confident and assertive on-field persona. When not competing, however, Burns transforms into a contemplative and reserved individual, reflecting on his craft and seeking ways to refine his skills.
This duality—where his intense on-field presence is matched by a studious off-field approach—helps explain his success. Burns’ inquisitive and diligent nature fuels his competitive fire, driving him to continually improve and push the boundaries of his performance. “I’m always going to be like that,” Burns said, emphasizing his commitment to daily improvement. “I’m not going to sit there and get worse. I’m going to always try to get 1 percent better every day.”
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Burns’ dedication and impressive pitching arsenal earned him the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds. His combination of high-velocity pitches, including a high-90s fastball, sharp slider, formidable curveball, and effective changeup, made him stand out as one of college baseball’s top pitchers.
His exceptional performances throughout the season included ten games with double-digit strikeouts and multiple outings with 14 or more strikeouts. Notably, he held opponents to three or fewer hits in eight games and threw six no-hit innings against Western Carolina.
Burns’ journey from a 20th-round draft pick by the Padres in 2021 to a top MLB prospect showcases his growth and development. After choosing college over a professional career, he transferred from Tennessee to Wake Forest, where he honed his skills further. Wake Forest’s advanced pitching lab helped Burns refine his mechanics and address previous command issues, resulting in improved statistics and performance.
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One of the standout moments of his season was his career-high 16-strikeout game against Clemson on May 10, where he also set a Wake Forest record for most strikeouts in a season. Burns’ reaction to key strikeouts, including his exuberant celebration after his 16th strikeout of the game, exemplifies his passionate approach to the game. “I feel like I’m kind of like a firecracker on the mound,” Burns explained. “Baseball’s a game of back and forth, of momentum. So when I’m out there on the mound, I’m just trying to get our momentum back.”
This blend of intense competitiveness and thoughtful analysis underscores Burns’ potential as a future MLB star, demonstrating how his dual personalities contribute to his success both on and off the field.
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