Corbin Burnes, the celebrated right-handed pitcher and former Cy Young Award winner, has officially signed a lucrative six-year contract worth $210 million with the Arizona Diamondbacks, confirming his status as the premier pitcher on the free agent market. The agreement, which includes the option to opt out after two years, marks the largest contract ever handed out by the Diamondbacks franchise.
Following the conclusion of the MLB season, Burnes, who just wrapped up his successful tenure with the Baltimore Orioles, faced significant interest from multiple teams, including the San Francisco Giants and the Toronto Blue Jays. Reports indicated both clubs had proposed offers exceeding his new contract's value, but Burnes settled on the Diamondbacks largely due to the tax benefits associated with playing in Arizona.
“After some quiet months during free agency, this is a huge win for Arizona,” commented Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Burnes is not only the best free agent pitcher available but also joins the Diamondbacks, who reached the World Series just last year and are seen as serious contenders for the upcoming season.”
At 30 years old, Burnes’ track record over seven seasons is impressive. He has pitched 903.2 innings with remarkable consistency, posting a 3.19 ERA and notching 1,051 strikeouts. This past season, he excelled with the Orioles, achieving 181 strikeouts over 194.1 innings and ending the season with a solid 2.92 ERA, which earned him another All-Star selection.
Burnes’ skills on the mound have made him highly sought after. Notably, he threw eight innings of one-run ball during his postseason debut against the Kansas City Royals, though the Orioles fell short, losing 1-0. His ability to dominate games has been backed by stellar statistics, placing him prominently across major metrics.
Since 2020, Burnes ranks third overall in MLB for innings pitched (816.2), second for strikeouts (946), and has maintained the second-best ERA (2.88) among pitchers with at least 500 innings thrown during this time frame. Burnes’ cutter, described as one of the best pitches available, reflects his arsenal's evolution under the guidance of the Brewers’ coaching staff, which he credited for refining his approach after a challenging 2019 season.
Aside from his pitching prowess, Burnes has displayed phenomenal durability and preparation—attributes highly regarded by coaches and teammates alike. His work ethic has gained recognition throughout the league, with many praising his comprehensive and structured routine.
The signing of Burnes by the Diamondbacks is not only seen as bolstering their roster but as a strategic move to position themselves favorably within the highly competitive NL West, which features formidable opponents like the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the second-place San Diego Padres. Arizona aims to reclaim its stature among these heavyweight teams and believes Burnes can be key to achieving this goal.
Fans and analysts alike are excited about the prospect of seeing Burnes pitch against the Giants multiple times each season, especially since San Francisco was heavily rumored to be the frontrunners to sign him. Instead, the Giants now face the challenge of up against Burnes, whose competitive edge has only sharpened during his years on the mound.
“For the Giants, this is particularly disappointing; they felt confident about their chances to sign Burnes,” observed Bob Nightengale from USA Today. “The tax differences played a significant role, and it’s clear Arizona made compelling arguments for him to join their roster.”
Burnes has evolved considerably since his initial drafting by the Brewers as the 4th round pick back in 2016. His steady development is evident, with only three qualified pitchers showing lower ERAS since he emerged on the scene. He received Cy Young votes every year following his award-winning season and continues to impress scouts with his command and the improvement of his strikeout rate.
For the Diamondbacks, adding Burnes is part of their broader strategy for season competitiveness. With the right-hander now at the helm, they aim not only to improve from last season but to establish themselves as perennial contenders. The expectation is, with Burnes bolstering their rotation alongside ace Zac Gallen, they can mount serious challenges against the league’s best.
Despite the significant financial commitment, the Diamondbacks’ front office seems confident they’ve made the right investment, projecting Burnes as key to their ambitions going forward. Only time will tell if Burnes can carry this momentum as he steps onto the mound for Arizona, now under the watchful eye of fans yearning for success.
