MLB.com's Mark Feinsand said on MLB Network that free-agent right-hander Corbin Burnes, who is at the top of the free-agent starting pitching market this offseason, is seeking a deal for around $245 million this offseason. The San Francisco Giants reportedly have been very interested in Burnes and even made him an offer, but it wasn't as high as the $245 million he's seeking. It remains to be seen if San Fran will increase their offer. The Toronto Blue Jays are another team mentioned as a suitor for Burnes, but it's unclear if they are willing to take a leap on a seven-year deal for a pitcher. It's also unclear if the Baltimore Orioles would commit that type of money to bring Burnes back. The 30-year-old saw his strikeout rate drop to 23.1% in 2024, but he still had an ERA under 3.00. Regression is likely coming soon, but Burnes could still have a few solid years left as a high-end fantasy starter.
The San Francisco Giants are said to be the "heavy favorites" for landing free-agent pitcher Corbin Burnes. After seeing two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell head to their divisional foe the Dodgers, the Giants are looking for some help behind their current ace Logan Webb. Burnes would certainly be an upgrade over any of their current rotation options as a former Cy Young winner himself (acknowledging that current projected No. 2 starter Robbie Ray has also won the award). The 30-year-old is a four-time All-Star coming off a 15-9 season with a 2.92 ERA (3.55 xFIP), 1.10 WHIP, and a solid 17.0% K-BB%. While it was the first time since his rookie season in which the veteran averaged less than a strikeout per inning, a move to pitcher-friendly Oracle Park should allay any concerns over diminishing rates, especially since his career (and 2024) walk rate is better than average at 7.0%.
The Toronto Blue Jays reportedly have had an in-person meeting with free-agent right-hander Corbin Burnes. The Blue Jays are also in on free-agent outfielder superstar Juan Soto and are looking to make a big splash in free agency yet again this offseason after another disappointing season that finished without a postseason berth. Burnes, 30, is at the top of the free-agent pitching market and turned down a $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Baltimore Orioles, so any team that signs him will be forced to give up draft picks. In 32 starts in his first and potentially only season in Baltimore, Burnes was outstanding, posting a 2.92 ERA, which was seventh-lowest among qualified starters in 2024. Despite being on the wrong side of 30 and with his strikeout rate dropping slightly, Burnes is going to be paid long term like the fantasy ace that he is.
Yankees Have Been In Contact With Max Fried, Corbin Burnes
While the Yankees are still considered one of the four serious contenders to sign Juan Soto, they have been making alternative plans in the event they are unable to bring back the superstar outfielder. New York has been said to be interested in shortstop Willy Adames, but could also be willing to spend big on pitching, having recently conducted meetings with star pitchers Max Fried and Corbin Burnes. Left-hander Fried earned his second All-Star nomination in 2024, pitching to a 3.25 ERA (3.33 FIP) and 1.16 WHIP with a 15.3% K-BB% in 29 starts. Right-hander Burnes, a Cy Young winner in 2021, made his fourth consecutive All-Star appearance in 2024, posting a 2.92 ERA (3.55 FIP) and a 1.10 WHIP with a 17.0% K-BB% in 32 starts. Either one would fortify a strong rotation that already has former Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole, 2x All-Star Carlos Rodon, and 2024 AL Rookie of the Year winner Luis Gil. Although neither pitcher averaged a strikeout per inning last season, both are capable of doing so and will still be some of the earliest pitchers off the board in 2025 fantasy drafts.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, free-agent starting pitcher Corbin Burnes is drawing interest from the San Francisco Giants. Feinsand noted that with Blake Snell signing with their rival Los Angeles Dodgers, the Giants are now believed to have "significant interest" in the former Cy Young winner. The 30-year-old is widely considered to be the top starting pitcher available on the market. Last season, in his debut season in Baltimore, Burnes posted a 2.92 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP. Under the hood, he boasted an excellent 31.6% hard-hit rate, 6.7% barrel rate, and 48.8% ground ball rate, which are all significantly above the average marks. No matter where Burnes calls home in 2025, fantasy managers should view him as a high-end starting pitcher during draft season.
Corbin Burnes Projected To Land Seven-Year, $225 Million Deal
ESPN's Kiley McDaniel projects free-agent right-hander Corbin Burnes to land a seven-year, $225 million deal ($32.1 million average annual value) on the open market this winter. The 30-year-old veteran is easily the top free-agent pitcher in this year's class with plenty of MLB experience. Interested teams will have to guarantee him at least five years. Burnes has been durable (28 to 33 starts in each of the last four seasons), is an elite strike-thrower, and has a strong strikeout rate with improving velocity. He is widely expected to top $200 million, with Stephen Strasburg's $245 million deal before the 2020 season likely as agent Scott Boras' goal. If Burnes doesn't re-sign with the Baltimore Orioles, they'll receive draft-pick compensation after extending him the $21.05 million qualifying offer on Monday. He's been an All-Star each of the last four seasons.
The Baltimore Orioles extended a $21.05 million qualifying offer to free-agent right-hander Corbin Burnes on Monday, according to sources. Burnes is fully expected to decline the qualifying offer as he searches for a lucrative long-term offer on the open market. If the 30-year-old veteran ends up signing with another team this winter, the Orioles will receive draft-pick compensation. Baltimore acquired him in February from the Milwaukee Brewers, and he went 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA (3.55 FIP), a 1.09 WHIP and 181:48 K:BB in 194 1/3 innings over 32 starts in 2024 for his fourth straight All-Star selection. Regardless of where Burnes is pitching in 2025, he should be viewed as a fantasy ace. 2024 broke a string of three straight seasons of 200-plus strikeouts for Burnes.
Corbin Burnes Racks Up Eight Strikeouts In Dominant Win
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Corbin Burnes was dominant on Friday, striking out eight batters in seven innings during the Orioles' 7-1 win over the Detroit Tigers. Burnes walked three batters but only allowed three hits and allowed no runs while recording his 15th win of the season. This marks Burnes' fifth straight start giving up two earned runs or less, a great sign for the Orioles as Baltimore gets ready for October. The 29-year-old has been fantastic in his first season in Baltimore, posting a 2.95 ERA. He'll be the focal point of Baltimore's rotation as they look for their first postseason series win since 2014. His final scheduled start of the season is set for next Thursday when the Orioles finish a series at Yankee Stadium against the Yankees.
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Corbin Burnes was handed his sixth loss of the season on Thursday, allowing six runs (five earned) in 5 innings against the Houston Astros. Burnes allowed eight hits and two walks while striking out just two. The 29-year-old now has just one good start in his last four and seems to be fading a bit. His strikeout rate has regressed and in turn he is allowing more contact, leading to more hits and runs as of late. While it's not a major concern, it's fair to worry that the ace pitcher Burnes has been may no longer be who he is. That said, he is still an elite pitcher in fantasy and a must-start every time he goes out.
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Corbin Burnes allowed eight runs in four innings in Friday night's defeat to the visiting division-rival Boston Red Sox at Camden Yards. Burnes was roughed up for 10 hits and three walks on Friday against Boston, but he did at least strike out seven hitters while taking his fifth loss of the year in his disastrous outing for Baltimore. The 29-year-old ace right-hander will look to bounce back in his next time out, still carrying a sturdy 3.10 ERA and 1.11 WHIP while fanning 144 and walking 38 across 153 2/3 frames (25 starts) in his first year with the O's in 2024.
