Aaron Judge hails Reds rookie Chase Burns after his stunning debut, marking a promising start in MLB history.
On June 24, 2025, Cincinnati Reds rookie pitcher Chase Burns delivered an unforgettable Major League Baseball debut, striking out eight batters without issuing a single walk and displaying a dominant 100 mph slider. His outstanding performance helped the Reds secure a 5–4 extra-innings victory and quickly drew praise from star outfielder Aaron Judge. Judge’s admiration highlighted Burns as a rare young talent poised to make a lasting impact in the league.
Burns not only contributed to the Reds’ win but cemented himself in MLB history by becoming the first starting pitcher since 1961 to strike out the first five batters he faced in his debut. This feat captured the attention of fans and players alike, setting the tone for the intense atmosphere at the ballpark and putting the rookie firmly in the spotlight.
Aaron Judge Highlights Burns’ Pitching Excellence
Following the game, Aaron Judge spoke highly of Burns during his post-game interview on the YES Network, emphasizing the young pitcher‘s electric arm and impressive command. Judge described Burns as a
“good young arm”
who was
“running it up there to 100 miles an hour,”
and praised his
“good feel for all his breaking pitches.”
Judge also noted how Burns confidently attacked the strike zone and dominated the lineup early on, stating it was striking to see him
Image of: Aaron Judge
“run through us there in the first time through the lineup.”
Unlike many rookies who start nervously, Burns maintained remarkable composure and precision, a point further underscored by Reds’ manager Terry Francona.
Francona noted Burns’ level-headedness under pressure, saying,
“he didn’t get too excited…I think he enjoyed the competition.”
Such calm competitiveness contributed significantly to the Reds’ win and indicated a promising future for the young pitcher.
Burns’ Key Strikeouts and Reds’ Team Success
In the opening inning, Burns struck out two batters, Trent Grisham and Ben Rice, after throwing a 14-pitch sequence marked by sharp accuracy. He kept the momentum going with a 99.3 mph fastball followed by a deceptive 92.2 mph slider that fooled Aaron Judge himself, resulting in a strikeout.
Reflecting on his debut, Burns revealed that his favorite strikeout was against Judge, stating candidly, “Judge was my favorite one.” This personal highlight added a memorable dimension to the rookie’s first appearance and showed his mindset embracing the challenges of facing top-tier hitters.
The Reds’ dugout welcomed Burns enthusiastically, recognizing the impact he had on the game and the team‘s overall morale during their recent surge.
The Reds’ Strong June Momentum Leading to a Big Win
Chase Burns’ remarkable debut comes amid Cincinnati’s revitalized performance this June, marked by several key series victories. The Reds began the month with a dominant series against the Detroit Tigers, winning 11–1 on June 14 thanks to a grand slam by Tyler Stephenson, followed by an 8–4 victory the next day. These wins underscored the team’s improved offense and depth.
The Reds then continued their hot streak during a three-gameseries with the Minnesota Twins, winning the first two games 6–5 and 4–2. Despite a tough 12–5 loss on June 19, they managed a solid 2–1 series split. Cincinnati’s resilience showed again in a series against the St. Louis Cardinals, bouncing back from an initial 6–1 loss to win two out of three, including an 11-inning victory.
Just before their matchup with the Yankees, the Reds secured a 4–1 win over St. Louis, boosting their confidence. The series against the New York Yankees on June 23 and 24 was particularly significant, highlighted by a 6–1 win and the thrilling extra-innings 5–4 victory where Burns made his debut. Cincinnati’s current record stands at 42–38, reflecting their recent strong form with 12 wins in their last 17 games.
What Burns’ Debut Means for the Future of the Reds
Chase Burns’ electrifying first appearance hints at a bright future both for himself and the Cincinnati Reds. His ability to dominate from the outset sends a message about the team‘s growing competitiveness and potential playoff aspirations. With Burns’ young arm and poise under pressure, the Reds have gained a valuable asset who could shape their pitching staff for years to come.
The significance of his debut extends beyond the statistics; it represents a new wave of talent bringing renewed energy to Cincinnati. As the season progresses, observers will keenly watch if Burns can maintain this high level of performance and build on the momentum that has helped the Reds climb the standings.
With Aaron Judge’s public commendation and the support of his team and manager, Burns’ entrance into the majors may mark the beginning of a legendary career.
