Corbin Burnes Joins Diamondbacks: A Major Boost to the Rotation
In a move that has sent ripples through the baseball world, the Arizona Diamondbacks have secured the services of Corbin Burnes, signing the ace pitcher to a substantial six-year contract worth $210 million. At 30, Burnes already boasts an impressive career filled with accolades, and his addition to the Diamondbacks promises to bolster an already formidable pitching rotation.
A Pitching Ace Finds a New Home
Joining the ranks of Zac Gallen, Eduardo Rodriguez, Merrill Kelly, and Brandon Pfaadt, Burnes strengthens a rotation that's poised to be a nightmare for opposing hitters. Notably, this deal features an opt-out clause after the 2026 season, a decision that underscores the confidence the Diamondbacks have in their latest acquisition as well as providing Burnes with some future flexibility.
Burnes is no stranger to success. Last season alone, he pitched 194 ⅓ innings, achieving a 2.92 ERA and racking up 181 strikeouts. His performance earned him a fifth-place finish in the AL Cy Young voting. Moreover, he has consistently been a top-tier pitcher, having been an All-Star for four consecutive years and a regular in the top ten for Cy Young voting over the past five seasons. He also won the prestigious NL Cy Young Award back in 2021 while playing with the Milwaukee Brewers.
A Remarkable Career
Interestingly, Burnes’s journey to Arizona has been anything but linear. He came to the Diamondbacks via the Baltimore Orioles, following a trade from the Milwaukee Brewers. His last postseason start was nothing short of spectacular, allowing just one run over eight innings. Such performances have clearly positioned him as one of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball.
R.J. Anderson, a baseball analyst, summed it up well when he stated, "At first blush, Burnes is clearly this free-agent class' best and most reliable starting pitcher." This echoes the sentiment throughout the league — Burnes is a valuable asset capable of anchoring a pitching staff.
The Diamondbacks' Bright Horizon
The Diamondbacks, on the back of a strong 89-73 season record, clinched the National League pennant in 2023. Adding Burnes to the roster not only reinforces their rotation but also underscores their commitment to competing at the highest levels. With him leading the charge, combined with the elements of a team already showing promise, the Diamondbacks are setting the stage for an exciting chapter in their franchise history.
For fans and commentators alike, Burnes’s move to Arizona isn’t just a contractual agreement; it's a clear signal of the Diamondbacks' ambitions and their relentless drive toward success in the upcoming seasons.