Diamondbacks Secure Ace: Corbin Burnes Joins Arizona with a Major Contract
In a bold move to bolster their pitching rotation, the Arizona Diamondbacks have inked Corbin Burnes, a standout pitcher, to a six-year contract valued at an impressive $210 million. This acquisition sends a significant signal to the franchise’s fans and competitors alike: the Diamondbacks are all in for future success, building on their recent accomplishments.
At 30 years of age, Burnes brings to Arizona not just his impressive repertoire on the mound, but a prestigious resume that includes a National League Cy Young Award in 2021, earned during his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers. His career is marked by consistency and excellence, having been named an All-Star for four consecutive seasons—testament to his elite status within the league.
Burnes’ performance metrics speak volumes. Last season, he registered a 2.92 ERA over 194 ⅓ innings pitched, alongside 181 strikeouts. Such numbers inevitably catch attention in baseball circles, underscoring why many, including baseball analyst R.J. Anderson, regard him as the free-agent class' best and most reliable starting pitcher. With these credentials, it's little wonder he finished fifth in the AL Cy Young voting, reinforcing his reputation as a premier pitcher in both leagues.
Burnes’ recent postseason form only adds to his allure. In his last playoff start, he delivered an impressive performance, allowing just one run over eight innings. This kind of showing on the big stage is precisely what the Diamondbacks seek as they look to deepen their playoff runs in subsequent seasons. His pedigree of success fits neatly with a Diamondbacks team fresh off clinching the National League pennant, rounding out a commendable 89-73 season.
The contract with Arizona features an opt-out clause after the 2026 season, providing both flexibility and security for Burnes. This is a common strategy in high-profile contracts, allowing the player some autonomy while giving the team a reliable timeline to assess long-term performance.
Burnes will join a formidable starting rotation that already includes noted pitchers Zac Gallen, Eduardo Rodriguez, Merrill Kelly, and Brandon Pfaadt. Each has contributed to the Diamondbacks’ recent rise and promise a strong backbone to their pitching strategy moving forward. The arrival of Burnes is expected to elevate this group from formidable to exceptional, filling any gaps that might have existed in the rotation.
Prior to his arrival in Arizona, Burnes played for the Baltimore Orioles following a trade from the Brewers. During his stint with the Orioles, he continued to demonstrate why he has been in the top ten of Cy Young voting for five consecutive years, combining sheer talent with unwavering reliability.
The Diamondbacks’ decisive move to secure Burnes reflects their commitment to maintaining and extending their competitive edge in a fiercely contested league. With Burnes’ blend of expertise, at both regular season and postseason play, the team is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory.
As the Arizona faithful welcome Burnes, expectations run high. The Diamondbacks’ fans can look forward to witnessing one of baseball's most elite pitchers take the mound, adding further layers of excitement and anticipation to the next season. The union between Burnes and the Diamondbacks heralds a promising chapter in the franchise’s history—one that could see many memorable moments unfold at Chase Field.