PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a bold move to bolster their roster, agreeing to a six-year, $210 million contract with star pitcher Corbin Burnes, according to sources who spoke to The Associated Press. The deal, pending a physical, marks the largest contract in franchise history.
Burnes, 30, was one of the top free-agent pitchers on the market after an impressive 2024 season with Baltimore, where he posted a 15-9 record and a 2.92 ERA. This contract, negotiated by agent Scott Boras, places Burnes among the highest-paid pitchers in MLB, with an average annual salary of $35 million—fifth in the league.
Arizona, typically a mid-market team in payroll, is making a clear statement about its ambitions in the NL West, where it hopes to challenge the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Elite Rotation and Playoff Aspirations
Burnes will join a formidable rotation featuring Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Brandon Pfaadt. The Diamondbacks aim to rebound after narrowly missing the playoffs this year, following their 2023 World Series appearance.
Burnes, the 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner, brings consistency and a track record of success. He set a career high with 22 quality starts in 2024 and was an AL All-Star, starting the Midsummer Classic. Despite Baltimore’s early playoff exit, Burnes was a standout, allowing just one run over eight innings in the opener.
Outpacing Rivals
This acquisition follows the Dodgers’ signing of left-hander Blake Snell for $182 million over five years. Burnes’ younger age and durability—he has made at least 28 starts in each of the past four seasons—set him apart as Arizona positions itself for a deep postseason run.
With Burnes at the helm of their rotation, the Diamondbacks are ready to take on the NL West’s elite and make another push for October glory.