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In a surprising move late Friday night, the Arizona Diamondbacks secured free-agent right-hander Corbin Burnes on a six-year, $210 million contract as confirmed by MLB. This deal, which includes an opt-out clause after the 2026 season, is the largest in franchise history, marking a bold move for a team that was not widely considered a frontrunner to land the star pitcher.
Corbin Burnes: The Biggest Free-Agent Pitcher on the Market
Burnes, 29, was regarded as the top free-agent pitcher of the offseason after a standout 2024 season with the Baltimore Orioles. In 32 starts, he went 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA, striking out 181 batters across 194 1/3 innings. He earned his fourth consecutive All-Star selection, ranking in the top five in several key pitching categories. Burnes finished fourth in the American League in ERA, third in innings pitched, tied for fifth in wins, and tied for 10th in strikeouts.
Why the Diamondbacks Deal Was a Surprise
Although Burnes was linked to several teams this offseason, the Diamondbacks were not considered a major contender for his services. Starting pitching was not seen as an immediate need for Arizona, given their already deep rotation. Returning starters Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson, and Jordan Montgomery are all under contract for the 2025 season, which made Burnes' arrival even more unexpected.
Diamondbacks’ Rotation and Future Plans
The addition of Burnes raises questions about the Diamondbacks’ rotation depth and whether they might trade one of their current starters to improve payroll flexibility. It has long been speculated that Montgomery, who signed a one-year deal with a vesting player option for 2025, could be on the move. If Arizona moves Montgomery’s contract, it would help offset the financial impact of Burnes' deal.
Adding Burnes to the Diamondbacks’ starting rotation instantly elevates the team’s pitching staff to one of the best in Major League Baseball. Despite injury setbacks in 2024, with multiple starters missing time, the team now has one of the most formidable rotations in the league.
Burnes’ Impressive Career Track Record
Since becoming a full-time starter in 2020, Burnes has been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. He boasts a 2.94 ERA over four full seasons, averaging 215 strikeouts per year. In his Cy Young Award-winning 2021 season, Burnes posted a 2.43 ERA, and he also led the National League with 243 strikeouts in 2022.
Burnes’ consistency is unmatched, ranking second in MLB since 2021 with 858 strikeouts, just behind Dylan Cease (891). His 2.94 ERA over that period ties him for the second-lowest among pitchers with at least 100 starts, behind only Max Fried (2.87). Additionally, Burnes has logged the fourth-most innings pitched (757) since 2021, trailing only Aaron Nola, Logan Webb, and Zack Wheeler.
Postseason Brilliance and Impact
During the 2024 postseason, Burnes showcased his resilience. In his lone postseason appearance, he pitched a remarkable eight-plus innings of one-run baseball against the Kansas City Royals in the Wild Card Series, though the Orioles lost 1-0. His performance in high-pressure situations further solidified his reputation as one of the game’s top pitchers.
Burnes’ Impact on the Diamondbacks’ Future
With his addition, Burnes represents a significant move in the Diamondbacks' long-term plans. The six-year contract highlights Arizona's commitment to bolstering their pitching staff and making a serious push for postseason contention in the coming years. His presence in the rotation sets the stage for a potential championship run and signals the team's readiness to compete at the highest level.
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