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Corbin Burnes signing sends shockwaves throughout Major League Baseball

Dec 28, 2024, 11:39 AM | Updated: 11:48 am

Aaron Schmidt's Profile Picture

BY AARON SCHMIDT


ArizonaSports.com editor

Was the top arm in free agency on your Christmas wish list, Diamondbacks fans? It probably was, but those wishes likely didn’t come with realistic expectations.

But sometimes, miracles do come true.

The Arizona Diamondbacks and right-handed starting pitcher Corbin Burnes on Friday evening agreed to a six-year contract worth $210 million over six years, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman first reported. The deal has a reported opt-out after 2026.

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The deal — though not yet official — will involve a significant amount of deferred money, with Burnes making more money the last four years of his contract if he chooses to stay with the team, according to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro.

Well, who could’ve seen this coming?

It’s the largest contract in Diamondbacks history — beating out Zack Greinke’s $206.5 million — and gives the Diamondbacks stability at the top of the rotation for years to come.

Burnes struck out 181 hitters in 194.1 innings pitched along with a 2.92 ERA with the Baltimore Orioles last season. He’s finished in the top 10 of Cy Young voting in five of his seven MLB seasons.

ESPN’s Bradford Doolittle graded the signing a B+, noting the Diamondbacks are taking a gamble with how the contract is structured. He used Blake Snell as an example, where the southpaw after one season opted out of his two-year, $62 million contract with the San Francisco Giants to sign a five-year, $182 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

But in the end, he credits Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen for going out and getting the best player left in free agency, giving them a real shot at competing among some of the game’s top squads.

In a loaded, top-heavy National League, teams that aren’t eligible to win the NL Central have to be aggressive. The Dodgers, Braves, Mets and Phillies are overwhelming favorites to land four of the five non-Central playoff slots, leaving the D-backs, Padres and Giants most likely vying for the last slot.

With this move, the Diamondbacks become the favorites to get that spot, although Arizona still has work to do on its bullpen. With this rotation, backed by an elite, athletic offense and top-flight defense, Arizona is poised to stand tall even in a league full of behemoths.

Corbin Burnes shocks fanbases around MLB

The 30-year-old former Cy Young winner was certainly sought after by numerous teams.

One of those being the San Francisco Giants, who had been linked to Burnes all offseason and made their pursuit well known. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that the Giants and Toronto Blue Jays offered more money but Burnes — who’s a Scottsdale resident — chose Arizona due to its lighter taxes.

The Baltimore Orioles also made an aggressive run to re-sign Burnes, but were unsuccessful.

But this means the NL West-rival Giants missed out once again on a top free agent, sending its fanbase — as well as much of MLB — into array.

In addition to Burnes, other free agents who were linked to the Giants in past years but signed elsewhere include: Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, Carlos Correa and Shohei Ohtani.

Some reactions from around the league:

Diamondbacks fans rejoice

On the other hand, it’s celebration time in Arizona.

Nearly a week after acquiring first baseman Josh Naylor from the Cleveland Guardians, the Diamondbacks signed the top arm in free agency.

In a competitive NL West division and after narrowly missing the postseason with an 89-73 record in 2024, the Diamondbacks enter 2025 with impressive pitching depth, including Burnes, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, Jordan Montgomery and Ryne Nelson. The team has received trade inquiries for each of their starting pitchers.

It’d be fair to expect more moves as the offseason progresses, but for now, rejoice, Diamondbacks fans.

Here are some reactions from those around the Valley:

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