Chase Petty's Electrifying Start Gives Reds Fans a Glimmer of Hope
Reds fans, it's time to perk up. Chase Petty, the once-promising prospect who seemed to be fading into the background, is making waves again.
The 23-year-old right-hander, known for his blazing fastball, has been overshadowed by other young talents in the Reds' system. But his recent performance suggests he's not done yet.
Last season was rough for Petty. His brief stint in the majors was forgettable, and his Triple-A numbers weren't much better, finishing with a 6.39 ERA. It was a disappointing turn for a pitcher who was expected to be knocking on the big league door.
The rising walk rate had many thinking Petty might find a future in the bullpen, following the path of Connor Phillips. However, Petty's recent outings have reignited hope that he can still make it as a starter.
In his 2026 debut with Louisville, Petty was nothing short of spectacular. He pitched 4⅔ scoreless innings, striking out eight and allowing just one walk. Generating 18 whiffs on 35 swings, Petty looked nearly unhittable.
While it's just one start, it's part of a promising trend. Earlier, during Cincinnati's Spring Breakout game, Petty impressed by striking out six over four innings and hitting 102.1 mph on the radar gun.
Keith Law from The Athletic took note of Petty's performance, praising his four-pitch mix and ability to pound the strike zone. Law did express concerns about the repeatability of Petty's delivery, a common worry for pitchers who might end up in the bullpen. However, he noted that if Petty continues to throw strikes like this, those concerns might be unfounded.
The Reds don't urgently need Petty in their rotation, but he's positioning himself as a viable option should the need arise. His recent performances suggest he's closer to a big league spot than many thought just a few weeks ago.
Of course, consistency is key. Petty needs to continue proving that his command issues are a thing of the past. But right now, he's riding a wave of momentum, and if he can maintain this form, he might just become the impact pitcher Reds fans have been eagerly waiting for.