The Baltimore Orioles got precisely what they wanted when they traded for Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers.
But now Burnes is a free agent.
In his first season with Baltimore, the 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner rapidly established himself as the team’s ace, posting an All-Star-caliber first half with a 9-4 record and a 2.43 ERA in 19 starts.
Though he struggled in the second half, finishing with a 6-5 record and a 3.69 ERA in 13 starts, Burnes shone in his one postseason game. He pitched eight excellent innings of one-run ball but lost 1-0 to the Kansas City Royals.
Burnes has set himself up for a big payout in free agency, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. In a recent MLB.com poll of front-office officials, the starter was ranked second only to Juan Soto as a free agent. Feinsand also believes the Padres are an excellent landing destination.
“San Diego returns Dylan Cease, Yu Darvish and Michael King to the rotation in 2025, but Joe Musgrove’s elbow surgery leaves a huge hole in the group,” Feinsand explained. “The Padres will take their shot at Roki Sasaki, whose price tag will be a fraction of Burnes’ contract, but if the Japanese phenom signs elsewhere, GM A.J. Preller will likely look at every available pitching option, including the Southern California native.”
Burnes has a 52-31 record, a 2.88 ERA, and 816.2 innings worked since 2020, joining Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler as league leaders.
Burnes has been a top-tier pitcher over the last five years. Since entering the Brewers’ rotation in 2020, he has made four All-Star appearances and placed in the top ten of the Cy Young voting four times, with a possible fifth this season. His 2021 season was particularly impressive, as he produced a league-leading 2.43 ERA and 1.63 FIP, eventually capturing the NL Cy Young Award.
The Padres will have heavy competition for Burnes, which might include the Los Angeles Dodgers.
According to Feinsand, the Dodgers may have “an edge” in pursuing Burnes.
“The fact that Burnes hails from Bakersfield — located 110 miles north of Dodger Stadium — could give Los Angeles an edge in its recruitment.”
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