Earlier this week, the Boston Red Sox locked up Roman Anthony with an eight-year extension. Naturally, Cincinnati Reds fans began imagining a similar long-term deal for their star shortstop Elly De La Cruz — but that possibility may already be out of reach.
While the Reds should do everything they can to keep De La Cruz in town, his agent, Scott Boras, is known for guiding clients to free agency rather than agreeing to team-friendly contracts. That makes a multi-year extension for De La Cruz seem unlikely.
However, rookie standout Chase Burns might be a more realistic option. His representation could be more open to a long-term deal, and it would be smart for the Reds to start talks before the 2025 season wraps up.
Reds should lock up Chase Burns with Elly De La Cruz extension all but impossible
If the Reds want to keep their top talent past their arbitration years, they’ll need to sign them before they develop into All-Stars. Burns has tremendous upside, and while offering a long-term deal to a pitcher who throws triple-digit heat carries some risk, Cincinnati can’t afford to let all of its young stars leave in free agency.
Burns has excelled in his rookie season after being called up midyear to replace injured starters Hunter Greene and Wade Miley. He’s already turned in strong performances against powerhouse teams like the Yankees and Phillies.
A good starting point for negotiations could be the six-year, \$53 million extension Hunter Greene signed at the start of the 2023 season. Given their similar profiles, such a contract would allow Burns to reach free agency before turning 30, creating a potential win-win scenario that Nick Krall and the Reds front office should seriously consider.
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