Diamondbacks Stun MLB with Corbin Burnes Signing

In what could be the most surprising move of the offseason, the Arizona Diamondbacks have reportedly signed free agent ace Corbin Burnes to a six-year, $210 million deal. The deal, which includes an opt-out clause after the 2026 season, has yet to be officially announced by the team.

The news caught many off guard, including those closely following the Diamondbacks’ offseason plans. For a franchise that emphasized rebuilding its offense and bolstering the bullpen, the addition of a marquee starting pitcher like Burnes represents a seismic shift in strategy.

A Shift in Priorities

General Manager Mike Hazen had consistently downplayed the need for starting pitching, citing depth in the rotation and emphasizing other roster areas in interviews. Despite rumors of interest in Japanese free agent Roki Sasaki earlier in the offseason, Hazen’s public focus remained on strengthening the lineup and bullpen.

The only tangible move involving the rotation so far this winter was trading young pitcher Slade Cecconi to Cleveland for first baseman Josh Naylor, a move aimed at improving the offense. With Burnes now in the fold, it’s clear Hazen has pivoted significantly, making a bold investment in an already deep starting rotation.

Financial Implications

Equally shocking is the financial commitment the Diamondbacks appear willing to make. The $35 million average annual value (AAV) of Burnes’ deal surpasses expectations for a franchise that set a record with a $177 million payroll in 2024.

At the time of the Josh Naylor trade, Arizona’s payroll commitments stood at approximately $155 million, leaving only $22 million in flexibility to match last year’s figures. The Burnes signing pushes their payroll to roughly $190 million, blowing past previous spending levels.

The exact structure of the deal remains unclear. Deferred payments or backloading—tactics the team employed in previous big-ticket deals with Zack Greinke and Madison Bumgarner—could help alleviate short-term budget constraints. However, the Burnes signing signals a potential willingness to operate at an even higher payroll threshold.

What Comes Next?

To create additional flexibility, the Diamondbacks have reportedly explored trading left-hander Jordan Montgomery, who signed a lucrative deal last offseason. Moving Montgomery’s contract could free up space for further moves, such as adding bullpen reinforcements or a right-handed bat.

Another, more speculative scenario involves trading Zac Gallen, a Boras client entering the final year of arbitration with an estimated $14 million salary. Gallen, a Cy Young candidate and key rotation piece, would command a significant return if Arizona opts to trade him for salary relief and roster depth.

Alternatively, if the Diamondbacks retain both Burnes and Gallen, they’ll boast one of MLB’s most formidable rotations, with Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, and promising youngsters like Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson providing exceptional depth.

A Bold Statement

By signing Burnes, the Diamondbacks have sent a message to the league: they’re serious about contending in 2025 and beyond. Whether this move signals a larger shift in organizational strategy or is an isolated splash remains to be seen.

With Burnes anchoring the rotation, the Diamondbacks’ ceiling just got significantly higher. As always, the offseason drama is far from over, and the coming weeks could provide even more clarity—or surprises.

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