5 teams who could go all in for Corbin Burnes if he opts for free agency following 2024 season
Corbin Burnes is enjoying a dominant campaign for the Baltimore Orioles after joining from the Milwaukee Brewers at the start of the 2024 season. However, the 2021 National League Cy Young winner is unlikely to remain with the team beyond this season, as he heads into free agency at the end of the year.
As one of the elite pitchers in the game, Corbin Burnes may be seeking a long-term contract in excess of $200 million. He might also want to join a team that could offer a shot at winning the World Series.
On that note, we take a look at five teams that could sign Burnes on a free-agent contract at the end of the year.
Five teams who could sign Corbin Burnes if he opts for free agency after 2024 season
#5 Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers need a major boost to lift the team after a hugely disppointing defense of their World Series title.
Signing Corbin Burnes in the offseason could deliver just that, especially if they don't offer an extension to Andrew Heaney and decline the $20 million option on Nathan Eovaldi for 2025.
If a deal happens between the two parties, the Rangers could have a starting rotation comprising Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom and Corbin Burnes.
#4 Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a long line of starting pitchers but cannot have enough of them, as they keep getting injured.
Moreover, the Dodgers can never be ruled out from signing any high-profile free agent after spending over a billion dollars on Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani.
The Dodgers will also have Tyler Glasnow, Walker Buehler and Gavin Stone, while Clayton Kershaw could remain with them for another year.
#3 Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are always looking to add high-quality free agents and will be even more determined if they cannot lay their hands on the World Series this year.
They reportedly offered the highest sum to Yoshinobu Yamamoto last year although he preferred the warmer climate of Los Angeles. The Phillies arguably have the best starting rotation in the MLB this season, but adding Corbin Burnes could take it to a completely different level.
#2 New York Mets
Despite having deep pockets, the New York Mets decided to take a step back in the previous offseason to bring down their payroll and make a big push this season.
The Mets will need to get some starting pitchers for next year, so signing a bonafide ace like Corbin Burnes could make a massive difference to their fortunes. However, the Mets also have to consider whether to keep Pete Alonso at Queens, while Juan Soto will be their biggest free agent target for 2025.
#1 New York Yankees
Corbin Burnes may not be the highest priority for the New York Yankees, but they need another dominant starter along with Gerrit Cole to push the team forward.
Marcus Stroman has done a decent job, and the emergence of Luis Gil is another positive, but Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes haven't been very reliable. Keeping Juan Soto at the Bronx will be their main target this year.
Nevertheless, the Yankees could flex their financial muscle to land both Soto and Burnes.