MLB Analyst Ranks Reds Pitcher Chase Burns Among Baseball’s Top Spoiler Aces

Chase Burns continues to earn high praise during his first full season in the big leagues.

MLB Network's Greg Amsinger recently revealed his list of the top "spoiler aces" in baseball, highlighting starting pitchers who could have a major impact on the playoff race despite pitching for teams on the outside looking in.

You can see Amsinger's full list below:

1. Cade Cavalli
2. Chase Burns
3. Noah Cameron
4. Walbert Ureña
5. Logan Webb
6. Reid Detmers
7. Braxton Ashcraft
8. Michael Wacha
9. Nolan McLean

"No. 2, you probably thought he was going to be No. 1," Amsinger said. "Chase Burns, 14-game winner. He might be a Cy Young contender in the National League...Love him, he's amazing, but he's not No. 1."

Burns has been everything the Reds had hoped for and more. The right-hander has an ERA of 2.86, he's striking out over 11 batters per nine innings, and opponents are hitting just .221 against him.

It's no surprise he's near the top of the list.

Sal Stewart Reaches Impressive Milestone vs. Cardinals

Aug 19, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

On Wednesday, Reds infielder Sal Stewart reached 100 career RBIs in his 145th career game. That makes him the third-fastest Red to hit that milestone since RBI became an official stat in 1920. Only Hank Sauer (136 games) and Jim Greenbrass (137 games) reached 100 RBI in fewer games than Stewart.

In 128 games this season, Stewart is slashing .259/.335/.474 with 51 extra-base hits, including 27 home runs. He also leads Major League Baseball with 96 RBIs.

Stewart hit a go-ahead three-run home run against the Cardinals earlier this week, but he's always his hardest critic.

“Just a lot of frustration," Stewart told MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. "We haven’t been playing the way we’re capable of, starting with myself. I could have been better and setting the tone more. It was just exciting to put some runs on the board. We’ve been busting our tails, and I trust these guys. They were on base, and I was able to execute.”

Though Stewart wouldn't give any credit to himself, Reds manager Terry Francona had high praise for the 22-year-old.

“One, he’s a really good hitter," Francona said. "But I know he relishes those opportunities and thankfully he does. Because up to that point, we really had nothing going.”

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