Corbin Burnes, a four-time All-Star pitcher, and the Arizona Diamondbacks have finalized a six-year, $210 million contract.
The team announced the deal on Monday night, two days after it was reported that the 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner had agreed to terms, pending a successful physical. The contract includes a potential opt-out option for Burnes after the 2026 season.
Burnes will join a starting rotation that includes Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Brandon Pfaadt, and Eduardo Rodríguez, which could become one of the best in baseball. This deal is the biggest contract in Diamondbacks’ history.
The 30-year-old Burnes was one of the top free agent pitchers available after going 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA for the Baltimore Orioles last season, earning a $15,637,500 salary.
The Orioles acquired him in a February trade after he spent his first six MLB seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers.
While Burnes landing a big contract was expected, his destination was surprising. Arizona’s payroll typically ranks in the middle among MLB teams.
The Diamondbacks are spending to compete with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. Arizona, which narrowly missed the playoffs this year, made it to the 2023 World Series but lost to the Texas Rangers in five games.
