As the Cincinnati Reds prepare for spring training, their starting rotation is already stacked with depth—potentially reaching 10 arms competing for spots. However, that’s not deterring Chase Petty. The 22-year-old right-hander, a non-roster invitee and one of Cincinnati’s top pitching prospects, is determined to prove he belongs in the mix for a call-up at some point in 2025.
“I’m not trying to think too far ahead about it, but that is what’s driving me,” Petty said to MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon. “That’s what’s making me compete to my best ability every single day. If my name is called, I want to make sure that I am ready and that I am ready to stay.”
Petty, acquired from the Minnesota Twins for Sonny Gray in March 2022, is ranked as the Reds’ No. 8 prospect by MLB Pipeline at the end of 2024. He will look to build his momentum as he awaits the updated ranks in March.
Reds Rotation Depth Won’t Deter Chase Petty’s Ambition
Petty’s development in 2023 was nothing but patience and progression. Coming off a right elbow strain that ended his 2022 season, he was placed on a strict pitch and innings limit while beginning the year in extended spring training. Once assigned to High-A Dayton, none of his starts exceeded four innings as the Reds carefully managed his workload.
As he progressed, Petty found his rhythm and earned a promotion to Double-A Chattanooga, where he went 10-5 with a 4.39 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP in 26 starts in 2024. Over 127 innings, Petty allowed 116 hits and 56 walks while striking out 123 batters. More importantly, he demonstrated increased durability, working seven innings in four of his final five starts—a key milestone in his development as a starter. Petty’s strong finish led to a late-season promotion to Triple-A Louisville, bringing him one step closer to his first MLB opportunity.
Strong Triple-A Debt Shows Petty’s Readiness
In his brief Triple-A stint, Petty impressed with a 1.80 and a 1.10 WHIP in two starts. Despite the small sample size, he carried over much of his success from Double-A, proving he could handle upper-level competition.
Throughout the 2024 season, Petty maintained a strikeout of 8.5 K/9, nearly identical to his 8.7 K/9 from 2023. His fastball averaged over 96 mph, while his mid-80’s slider was particularly effective, generating 39% miss rate.
Just a ridiculous day of off-szn throwing from Reds Prospect Chase Petty.
Isolating the relationship between the glove arm and the throwing arm can work wonders. Then tie that into the full delivery from his natural slot and boom.
91 MPH Rocker Throw
95.6 MPH Hover drill… pic.twitter.com/RIqTZ5Wrkc— Baseball Performance Center (@The_BPCsj) January 30, 2025
Petty’s Mindset Heading Into the New Season
Looking back at his 2024 campaign, Petty recognized his slow start but felt encouraged by how he finished the season strong.
“I didn’t start off the way I planned. I struggled a little bit. But really cleaned up by the end of the year, really finished off strong,” Petty said. “I did exactly what I wanted to in Triple-A. Hopefully, I am able to start off strong this year and get the call early.”
Cincinnati’s rotation is packed with competition heading into spring training. Hunter Greene, Brady Singer, Nick Martinez, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, Rhett Lowder, Graham Ashcraft, Carson Spiers and No .2 prospect Rhett Lowder are all in the mix for the five rotation spots. Veteran Wade Miley, who rejoined the Reds on a minor league deal, should be ready by May following left elbow surgery.
Top prospect Chase Burns could also join the rotation by the end of the season. With so many pitchers vying for spots, Petty faces a tough challenge. However, his strong finish to 2024 has him well-positioned to make his mark in 2025. The Reds future looks bright, and Petty has his eyes set to be part of it.
Main Photo: © Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
