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All-Star Pitcher Turns Down $250 Million Contract, Takes Less Money Elsewhere

Originally posted on The Spun | By Hunter Hodies | Last updated Dec 28, 2024 6:07 PM ET

Another MLB free agent came off the board on Friday night into Saturday morning when pitcher Corbin Burnes signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Diamondbacks came out of nowhere to sign him to a six-year $210 million deal but Burnes wanted to stay at home since he and his wife just had twins in Arizona.

According to Bob Nightengale, Burnes turned down more money, including a 7-year, $250 million deal with an AL East team, because he wanted to stay at home and sign with the Diamondbacks.

Corbin Burnes could have signed a 7-year, $250 million deal with an AL East team with no opt out; but decided to stay home in Arizona for the 6-year, $210 million deal with an opt out after 2026.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 28, 2024

This is a major deal for the Diamondbacks since Burnes was one of the best pitchers to hit the free-agent market this offseason.

He spent the 2024 season with the Baltimore Orioles, finishing with a 15-9 record and a 2.92 ERA. He also added 191 strikeouts and only allowed 63 earned runs.

Before that, he spent the first six seasons of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers before they dealt him to the Orioles ahead of the 2024 season.

He joins a Diamondbacks rotation that is already loaded and includes Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, and Eduardo Rodriguez.

The Diamondbacks are trying to get back to the playoffs after barely missing out in the 2024 season, finishing with an 89-73 record. It came a year after they got to the World Series before losing to the Texas Rangers in five games.

They're in it to win it this year and beyond with the talent that they have acquired and developed.

The Diamondbacks had to make a big splash since they're in a tough division. The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off a World Series title and will be a threat to win it all again next year while the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres are also trying to win.

The Diamondbacks will open the 2025 regular season at home on March 27 against the Chicago Cubs. It'll be the first of a four-game set to start the season.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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