The future of Chase Burns and his untapped potential
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (BVM) — Jacob deGrom. Gerrit Cole. Aroldis Chapman. Chase Burns.
What does Chase Burns have in common with these three all-star pitchers? They can all rear back and hit triple digits on the radar gun.
Chase Burns, a senior at Beech High School, is committed to play baseball at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. However, It is not a guarantee that he winds up on Rocky Top, as he is currently ranked as the 28th best draft prospect for the upcoming 2021 MLB Draft according to MLB.com.
Burns can decide to sign and go pro, rather than take the collegiate route. For reference, Austin Wells was taken with the 28th pick in the 2020 MLB draft by the New York Yankees and signed a contract with a bonus of two and a half million dollars according to ESPN.
Burns, who is transferring from Station Camp High School to Beech High School in Hendersonville, Tennessee, is not letting the hype get to him as he only focuses on what he can control.
“It’s hard not to see the projections,” Burns told Zach Womble at Main Street Preps. “I look at them from time to time, but at the same time, the rankings don’t matter too much. Ever since I was little, I wanted a chance to play in the big leagues, but I also have a great opportunity at the University of Tennessee.”
Everything about Burns’ on the mound screams superstar in the making.
Burns has a four pitch mix, highlighted by his fastball, to combine with his 6’4 frame. He can also throw a quality slider, curveball and changeup. His slider seems to grade as his best off-speed option.
The Tennessee flamethrower has been selected to attend various events such as the Perfect Game All-American Classic and the Perfect Game National Showcase. Burns was also selected to the Rawlings first team Preseason All American list and is listed on various recruiting sites as the best baseball prospect in Tennessee in the 2021 class.
Burns is not one to get ahead of himself and knows that he is not a finished product. There is still a lot he wants to accomplish and improve before he thinks about playing at the next level.
“The velocity is there,” Burns expressed to Dan Zielinski III of Baseball Prospect Journal. “Just being able to know what to throw to each batter is something I am working on. My mindset on the mound and my mobility also are things I am working on because you want to be as mobile on the mound as you can.”
Whether it is in pro ball or in the Southeastern Conference, the sky’s the limit for the 18 year old and it should be fun to watch his progression as he continues his preparation for his senior year.
