The MLB offseason is heating up, and the market for elite pitchers is drawing significant attention. While the Los Angeles Dodgers landed Blake Snell on a blockbuster five-year, $182 million deal, Corbin Burnes, another top-tier arm, remains one of the most coveted free agents. Burnes has reportedly expressed a strong preference to join the Dodgers, although other teams are emerging as serious contenders for his services.
Corbin Burnes and His Dodger Aspirations
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that Burnes was eager to pitch at Dodger Stadium, citing its reputation as a pitcher-friendly park and the Dodgers’ perennial status as World Series contenders. However, with the addition of Snell and a rotation that includes stars like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow, Los Angeles may no longer have room—or the budget—for another ace-level arm.
Burnes’ 2024 Season: A Strong Campaign in Baltimore
Burnes delivered an impressive season with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024:
- ERA: 2.92
- Record: 15-9
- Strikeouts: 181
Baltimore would like to retain Burnes, but budget constraints may prevent a reunion. The Orioles’ young and dynamic core, including Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday, makes them an exciting contender, but their financial limitations could shift Burnes to a team with deeper pockets.
Potential Landing Spots
- New York Mets: The Mets, flush with cash after signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal, are considered frontrunners. They are motivated to bolster their rotation, especially with the potential departures of key starters like Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana.
- San Francisco Giants: With Blake Snell departing for the Dodgers, the Giants are actively pursuing Burnes to fill the void and remain competitive in the NL West.
- Other Interested Teams: The Blue Jays, Red Sox, Yankees, and Orioles have all been linked to Burnes. His former team, the Milwaukee Brewers, also remains a possibility, though they are less likely to meet the high financial demands.
Projected Contract
Industry insiders like Jon Heyman of the New York Post predict Burnes will sign a seven-year deal worth at least $210 million, reflecting his status as one of the premier pitchers in baseball. This figure could increase if a bidding war erupts, particularly between big-market teams like the Mets and Yankees.
What’s Next for Burnes?
While Burnes’ preference for the Dodgers is clear, the combination of roster depth and financial commitments in Los Angeles makes a deal unlikely. The Mets’ aggressive spending and rotational needs position them as the likely destination, but surprises in free agency are always possible. Wherever he lands, Burnes is set to command ace-level responsibilities and be a difference-maker for his new team in 2025.