Cincinnati Reds radio voice Jeff Brantley is known for being blunt, and during Tuesday’s matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays, he delivered a take that’s likely to spark debate among fans. His remarks focused on Reds rookie pitcher Chase Burns, who threw a live bullpen session before the game.
“Anyone who watched Chase Burns face Reds hitters today had to be wondering why he’s not already in the big leagues,” Brantley said. “I understand he’s a first-round pick with electric stuff, but a lot of organizations wouldn’t have hesitated to put him on the roster right now.”
The Reds went on to drop the game 12–9 after Nick Lodolo was scratched with an illness. Scott Barlow was used as the opener, but things unraveled quickly as he surrendered a leadoff home run and later a bases-clearing double. By the time Cincinnati came to bat, they were already facing a 4–0 deficit.
Jeff Brantley exposes front office failure that has Reds fans fuming
Should the Reds have pulled the trigger and let Chase Burns make his debut against the Blue Jays? Jeff Brantley clearly thinks so. But while his argument carries weight, there’s also logic behind the team’s caution — Burns is already on an innings limit this year, and rushing him could backfire long term.
Still, Brantley’s comments hit on a larger issue that has Reds fans frustrated with Nick Krall and the front office: a lack of urgency. Despite being in the playoff hunt all season, Cincinnati has seemed content to play it safe.
The trade deadline was underwhelming. While Ke’Bryan Hayes has surprisingly provided both his trademark defense and a steady bat, the Reds’ overall deadline effort drew lukewarm reviews. Then came more hesitation, as the team delayed the promotion of top prospect Sal Stewart until September 1 — all while sticking with Santiago Espinal in the lineup despite his struggles.
It’s a familiar pattern for a franchise that hasn’t won a postseason series since 1995. Brantley may not have meant to take direct shots at the front office, but his words echoed a sentiment many Reds fans have felt for years: the organization lacks urgency. The cautious handling of Burns is simply the newest chapter in that story.
