In a surprising turn of events this winter, the Arizona Diamondbacks made headlines by signing free-agent right-hander Corbin Burnes to a groundbreaking six-year, $210 million contract. This contract marks one of the largest deals of the offseason and highlights the D-backs’ commitment to enhancing their roster with top-tier talent.
Burnes, widely recognized as the premier starting pitcher available, was pursued aggressively by teams including San Francisco and Toronto. Ultimately, he chose the Diamondbacks due to not only the financial incentives but also the benefits of lower taxes in Arizona and personal considerations, as he and his wife recently welcomed twins. This decision allows Burnes to spend more time with his family at their home in Scottsdale.
Despite the significant contract size, which includes an average annual value of $35 million – tying it for the sixth-highest ever for a starting pitcher – Burnes opted for Arizona over offers that may have had larger upfront numbers. His deal also provides an opt-out clause after two years, allowing him the opportunity to explore free agency again at age 32, should he continue to perform well.
This signing draws parallels to nearly a decade ago when the Diamondbacks famously acquired pitcher Zack Greinke for a major six-year, $206.5 million deal. However, the contexts differ significantly. While Greinke joined a struggling roster that had not seen a winning season since 2011, Burnes is stepping into a competitive situation. The D-backs are fresh off an NL pennant and are just a year removed from a strong postseason campaign. With an established rotation that includes stars like Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, Burnes is expected to further elevate a team poised for success.
The commitment to Burnes also serves as a strategic move for the D-backs, who face upcoming free agency with Gallen and Kelly. With a strong presence now secured in Burnes, Arizona will be better equipped to navigate potential departures in the near future.
This winter, the Diamondbacks are taking bold strides to reclaim their position within the National League. The recent addition of Burnes, alongside the acquisition of Josh Naylor from Cleveland to fill in vital roles, reflects the team’s determination to build a competitive lineup for the upcoming seasons. While questions about lineup depth and bullpen strength remain, the addition of Burnes provides a crucial boost, reaffirming Arizona’s commitment to winning.
Overall, this development in the offseason is an encouraging sign for Diamondbacks fans, as it illustrates the organization’s strategic approach and reinforces their competitive aspirations in the league. As Burnes joins the D-backs, there is hope that they will continue to build upon their recent successes and maintain their status as a formidable force in Major League Baseball.