PM Baseball’s top starting pitcher available in free agency this winter was Corbin Burnes. But as he looks for a new home, a lot of hurlers have been taken off the board in recent weeks.
Could he be taken away from the San Francisco Giants by the Los Angeles Dodgers? The 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner, who has been among baseball’s best effective pitchers since 2020, is hoping for a sizable salary.
In 816 2/3 innings pitched, he has a 52-31 record, a 2.88 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and 946 strikeouts. After pitching 194 1/3 innings with a 2.92 ERA, Burnes spent 2024 with the Baltimore Orioles and placed fifth in the American League Cy Young Award voting.
Burnes is now most likely to end up with the Giants. Is it possible for the Dodgers to wrest the right-handed pitcher away from their enmity? Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report believes it is feasible in some situations.
In addition to Yoshinobu Yamamoto starting his second season and the return of players like Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Tony Gonsolin from injury, the Dodgers have already signed Blake Snell this offseason,” Kelly said.
Burnes is unlikely to land there at this time. However, can you really rule out the Dodgers stepping in if Burnes is available to the point where he thinks about agreeing to a short-term contract with an early opt-out, as Snell did last offseason? It is a thought-provoking possibility.
According to Spotrac, Burnes’ market value will be $183 million in six years. However, Max Fried is expected to make more money because the New York Yankees have guaranteed him $218 million. Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report believes he will sign a $250 million deal this winter.
