Corbin Burnes, the renowned pitcher and 2021 Cy Young Award winner, has made a significant move by signing a six-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks worth $210 million. This deal, which was confirmed early Saturday morning, includes an opt-out clause for Burnes after two seasons. Initially reported by Jon Heyman, this contract marks the largest in the history of the Diamondbacks.
The strategic choice for Burnes to join the Diamondbacks appears to be influenced by both financial and personal reasons. After declining a qualifying offer from the Baltimore Orioles, Burnes’ move to Arizona comes with implications for draft pick compensation that the Orioles will receive from the Diamondbacks.
Burnes, who resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, considered offers from other teams but ultimately chose local opportunities over those from the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays. His decision to play for the Diamondbacks adds a notable layer to the ongoing rivalry within the National League West, known for its competitiveness.
The Diamondbacks, having narrowly missed the playoffs in 2024 with an impressive 89 wins and fresh off their first World Series appearance since 2001, are reinforcing their roster to compete with formidable opponents like the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. Despite depth in their starting rotation, which already includes pitchers like Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, and Eduardo Rodriguez, the Diamondbacks opted to invest further in their team by welcoming Burnes.
This investment comes at a time when many teams face financial challenges, especially those affected by recent changes in the media landscape, such as the bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group. Nevertheless, Arizona is making a calculated move that signals their intent to remain competitive.
Burnes’ arrival in Arizona not only intensifies the rivalry with the Giants, who were also vying for his services, but it is also a tactical decision from a financial perspective. The tax structure in Arizona offers a more favorable option compared to the larger markets of San Francisco and Toronto, which may have incentivized his choice.
Unfortunately for the Orioles, Burnes’ departure ends his brief leadership role in their rotation. Acquired through a notable trade last winter, he proved to be an effective ace for Baltimore. In the regular season, Burnes showcased his abilities, delivering strong performances from his very first game through his playoff start. Despite his impactful contributions, the financial demands of Burnes’ free agency likely exceeded the Orioles’ budget.
Looking back over the past five years, Burnes has established himself as one of Major League Baseball’s elite pitchers. He ranks impressively across several categories: third in MLB for innings pitched, fourth in earned run average, and second in strikeouts since the 2020 season. His turnaround from a difficult 2019 season, when he posted an ERA of 8.82, underscores his impressive comeback after introducing a new signature pitch, the cutter.
However, there are considerations about Burnes’ performance consistency. In recent years, there have been fluctuations in his metrics, such as a noticeable decline in his whiff rates and an increase in hitters making contact with his pitches. With these trends in mind, some analysts are beginning to question if he is at risk of declining performance as he ages.
Despite these concerns, Burnes remains a valuable asset in the league, and even at 90% of his peak performance, he continues to be one of the top pitchers available. Whether this high-profile signing will pay off for the Diamondbacks will largely depend on how effectively Burnes can sustain his competitive edge in the coming years.
As the free agency period evolves, teams are constantly looking to enhance their rosters, making significant financial commitments in hopes of achieving success on the field. The Diamondbacks’ bold move for Corbin Burnes illustrates their ambition and determination to improve and compete at the highest level in baseball.
