​The next-generation core of the Cincinnati Reds is starting to take shape even as the Reds face tough decisions at the trade deadline regarding this season.After failing in recent years to secure extensions for star players such as Elly De La Cruz, the Reds got a $105 million, seven-year deal done with All-Star pitcher Chase Burns, sources confirm, as the right-hander prepares for his first start of the second half.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBurns, 23, debuted barely a year ago, making this the largest contract in MLB history for a pitcher with that relatively little service time.1 / 11Braxton Ashcraft #35 of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chase Burns #26 of the Cincinnati Reds, Jacob Misiorowski #32 of the Milwaukee Brewers, Jesús Luzardo #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies, Max Meyer #23 of the Miami Marlins, Jhoan Duran #59 of the Philadelphia Phillies, and Justin Wrobleski #70 of the Los Angeles Dodgers look on before the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia.(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)It ties the six-year, $105 million deal Homer Bailey signed in 2014 for total value for a pitcher contract in franchise history.Burns earned an All-Star selection after going 11-1 with a 2.54 ERA in the first half. He didn’t pitch in the July 14 game, choosing to rest through the break after tweaking his groin on a play at the plate in his last start before the break.He’s scheduled to start in the fifth slot in the Reds rotation coming out of the break, Tuesday in Seattle.This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: All-Star Chase Burns strikes record extension with Cincinnati Reds