Corbin Burnes has become one of the hottest commodities in free agency, solidifying his status as a top-tier starting pitcher. His market value has likely risen significantly following Blake Snell’s five-year, $182 million deal with the Dodgers. Burnes, with his elite consistency, durability, and relatively young age at 30, appears poised to command a contract that easily surpasses $200 million.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post has projected Burnes to sign a seven-year, $210 million deal, though some analysts believe that figure could ultimately be conservative given the widespread interest from high-revenue teams. Heyman notes that while the Baltimore Orioles will attempt to retain their ace, competition from teams like the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Giants, and other AL East clubs may make that effort challenging.
As a Southern California native, Burnes could also be drawn to opportunities closer to home, which might give the Dodgers or Giants an edge. A potential $210 million deal would average $30 million per year, aligning with the upper echelon of MLB pitcher contracts. This offseason, Burnes represents a rare chance for teams to secure a reliable ace, making his free agency one of the most compelling stories to watch.
The race for Corbin Burnes is shaping up to be intense, with several high-revenue teams vying for his services. Jon Heyman’s analysis highlights a mix of expected and intriguing suitors.
AL East Contenders
Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays: These teams all have the financial muscle to meet or exceed a $210 million offer.
Orioles: While Baltimore would love to retain Burnes, their financial constraints may make it difficult to compete with the deeper-pocketed franchises.
West Coast Interest
Giants and Dodgers: The Giants have a clear need for pitching and the resources to pursue Burnes. The Dodgers, despite their already strong rotation, are a surprising contender, but their financial flexibility makes them a serious player.
Mets as a Wild Card
The Mets, who are heavily invested in the pursuit of Juan Soto, could pivot aggressively to Burnes if they miss out on the slugger. With owner Steve Cohen’s willingness to spend, they’re a looming force in the Burnes sweepstakes.
While the Orioles may struggle to match the financial power of other suitors, the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Dodgers, Giants, and Mets all have the resources to meet Burnes’ projected value. With several teams needing a dependable ace, Burnes’ free agency will likely be one of the offseason’s most competitive bidding wars.
