The Los Angeles Dodgers inked a deal with free-agent pitcher Blake Snell for a hefty $182 million over five years just before Thanksgiving. Before this signing, another starting pitcher in the market expressed a desire to join the Dodgers in the winter. Reports suggest that right-hander Corbin Burnes indicated a preference for landing in Los Angeles.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Burnes was excited to embrace the opportunity to play for the Dodgers. During an interview with Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation, Nightengale shared insights on Burnes’ aspirations of joining the reigning World Series champions.
Corbin Burnes choosing the Dodgers
“It’s evident that Corbin Burnes had his sights set on that destination,” Nightengale remarked. “Witnessing Snell don the Dodger blue probably made it a tough pill to swallow for Burnes. It’s hard to find a pitcher who wouldn’t want to take the mound at Dodger Stadium—it’s a fantastic venue for pitchers. Additionally, being a perennial World Series contender is definitely appealing.”
Among the notable starting pitchers available during this offseason were Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, and Max Fried. Snell was the first of the trio to secure a contract. Nevertheless, all three pitchers were linked to the Dodgers at various points in time.
In 2024, Burnes showcased his talents with a 2.92 ERA, a 15-9 win-loss record, and 181 strikeouts in his debut season with the Baltimore Orioles. While the Orioles are interested in retaining him for the 2025 season, their financial constraints may hinder their ability to re-sign the talented right-hander.
Securing a Wild Card berth in 2023 after being division champions, the Orioles fell short by three games. Retaining Corbin Burnes in their rotation could potentially propel them to the next level. With promising talents like Anthony Santander, Gunnar Henderson, and Jackson Holliday, the Orioles possess a mix of youth and experience crucial for a deeper postseason push.
Before his standout season with the Orioles, Burnes spent six seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, registering a 3.26 ERA and clinching the NL Cy Young Award in 2021. He was also a three-time All-Star during his tenure in Milwaukee.
Where Will Burnes Land?
Several MLB executives anticipate that Burnes will opt for the New York Mets this offseason, underlining the likelihood of the former Cy Young winner prioritizing the most substantial offer available. The Mets possess the financial resources to attract a premier pitcher like Burnes.
The Mets face the impending departure of three key starting pitchers who played vital roles in their playoff journey, heightening the urgency for the East Coast franchise to pursue a high-profile arm like Burnes. New York could potentially wave goodbye to Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana this offseason.
The New York Mets recently landed Juan Soto in a colossal deal worth $765 million over 15 years. Now that Soto is on board, the Mets will shift their attention towards bolstering their roster around Soto and star shortstop Francisco Lindor.
On the contrary, the Dodgers are planning to implement a six-man rotation for the 2025 season, with a roster already brimming with elite pitchers. Besides Snell, the starting rotation will feature Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow—all of whom could serve as the ace on any other team.
As per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the San Francisco Giants are reportedly expressing a strong interest in Corbin Burnes. Following Snell’s departure, San Francisco joins the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Yankees, and Burnes’ former team, the Orioles, in actively pursuing the talented right-hander.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post predicts that Corbin Burnes is poised to surpass the $200 million mark, projecting a lucrative seven-year deal worth $210 million.
Image Source: Corbin Burnes @ Instagram
