Corbin Burnes is in an enviable spot as free company has begun.
Burnes was ranked as the second-best free agent and prime pitcher obtainable by MLB.com. He’s a rarity within the recreation, a top-of-the-rotation pitcher who throws roughly 200 innings a 12 months. Burnes additionally entered free company comparatively younger, as he’s simply 30 years previous.
Burnes has put collectively a robust resume. A four-time All-Star, he was the 2021 NL Cy Younger award winner, main the league in strikeouts (243). He put collectively one other robust season because the Orioles’ ace in 2024, posting a 2.92 ERA and a 1.096 WHIP in his 194.1 innings, putting out 181 batters with 48 walks. Burnes would immediately slot in because the workers ace for many groups, a reliable arm to construct a rotation round.
The place will Corbin Burnes find yourself in free company? Let’s check out three attainable touchdown spots.
Baltimore Orioles
In response to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Orioles are “able to spend” and need to maintain Burnes. If that’s the case, then the Orioles can’t be counted out of any bidding warfare.
It will even be a marked change to the Orioles’ philosophy in free company. Per MLB Trade Rumors, Burnes is projected to obtain a seven-year deal value $200 million. The Orioles have spent a combined $57.9 million in free company since 2020, the bottom within the majors. Signing Burnes would additionally ship a message to the opposite gamers on the roster and the fan base that the Orioles are severe about contending.
Boston Purple Sox
Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reported that Boston Purple Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow mentioned the staff is seeking to “increase the ceiling of the rotation.” Burnes would instantly just do that.
The Purple Sox have a stable trio in Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford and Tanner Houck. Lucas Giolito is anticipated to return someday in 2025. Nonetheless, none of these pitchers are prime of the rotation arms. Burnes would give the Purple Sox a wanted ace to contend within the AL East. If the Purple Sox are severe about enhancing their rotation, Burnes must be atop their purchasing listing.
New York Mets
Though Burnes has by no means pitched for the New York Mets, there’s a diploma of familiarity. President of baseball operations David Stearns was part of the Brewers group when Burnes was in Milwaukee.
The Mets rotation may endure important adjustments this offseason. Jose Quintana, Sean Manaea and Luis Severino are free brokers, with Manaea and Severino receiving the qualifying offer. Kodai Senga made only one look, lasting 5.1 innings, in 2024. The Mets want a workhorse and a prime of the rotation arm to pair with Senga. Burnes can be each.
