The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a significant move by signing top free-agent pitcher Corbin Burnes to a six-year contract worth $210 million, with an opt-out clause after the 2026 season. Burnes, who had a standout year with the Baltimore Orioles after being traded from the Milwaukee Brewers, pitched 194 ⅓ innings with a 2.92 ERA and recorded 181 strikeouts, earning a fifth-place finish in the AL Cy Young voting.
Despite his impressive performance, there are signs of a potential decline in Burnes' game. His strikeout rate has dropped for four consecutive years, and he struggled with his cutter, which is crucial to his success. While Burnes maintains excellent command and remains a high-quality pitcher, concerns about his declining strikeout rate may lead teams to reconsider long-term commitments.
Burnes, the 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner, joins a strong Diamondbacks rotation that features Zac Gallen, Eduardo Rodriguez, Merrill Kelly, and Brandon Pfaadt. The Diamondbacks, who finished with an 89-73 record last season, are looking to build on their success after winning the National League pennant in 2023.
