Could a dispute over $750K cost Brewers their ace?

A dispute over $750,000 may have created one of MLB's most valuable trade chips.

Milwaukee Brewers ace Corbin Burnes recently lost his arbitration case with the team. He asked for $10.75 million while the Brewers countered with $10.01 million. The team won the case and will pay the star pitcher less than he wanted.

Burnes told the media the process stung.

"There’s no denying that the relationship is definitely hurt from what (transpired) over the last couple of weeks. There’s really no way of getting around that,” he said, per the Associated Press.

Burnes will be a free agent after the 2024 World Series, so the Brewers have him under their control for at least two more seasons. The arbitration win, however, might cost them in the long term. 

Burnes’ disappointment hurt could lead to difficulties in contract talks. Without an extension, the Brewers might have to trade him before he can leave in free agency.

All over $750,000.

The small-market Brewers are set to start the season with a payroll of roughly $105 million, the 19^th highest in the league per Spotrac. Outfielder Christian Yelich is their highest-paid player at $22 million in average value.

Top players make close to $40 million a year. Burnes is among the top pitchers in the game. Last year, he sported a 4 WAR with a 12-8 record and a 2.94 ERA. He led the National League with 243 strikeouts and finished seventh in the Cy Young Award voting.

In 2021, he won the Cy Young with a league-leading 2.43 ERA and an 11-5 record.

Burnes would enter free agency heading into his age-30 season, so he should have plenty in the tank for his new contract. There is no reason he should expect less than a $35 million AAV with his new deal.

With the anger over $750,000 in arbitration, Burnes’ days could be numbered, and dreams of a “hometown discount” are likely shattered.

The Brewers could move him in the spring or at the trade deadline  Other star pitchers, such as Chris Sale, have netted multiple top-100 prospects in return, and the Brewers can expect the same for Burnes. Teams will be willing to part with top prospects for an annual Cy Young candidate who can help them win a title.

That makes Burnes a huge trade chip for the Brewers. Last season, they moved star closer Josh Hader to the Padres in the thick of the playoff race. Burnes could be the next star pitcher to go. 

It’s just sad it got to this point over $750,000.