Diamondbacks Trades Predicted by Former MLB GM After Corbin Burnes News

“Sell Mortimer, sell! Isn’t that what they said in Trading Places, ” Jim Bowden said, referencing a scene from the Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd 1983 comedy. “You become the headliner at the trade deadline with the Orioles, that’s exactly what the Diamondbacks do.” 

Burnes, who signed a six-year, $210 Million free agent contract with the Diamondbacks in the offseason, averaged over 31 starts in each of his last four seasons prior to joining Arizona. This season, the 30-year-old was 3-2 with a 2.66 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 11 starts before suffering the injury. 

“Corbin Burnes is their best pitcher, with an ERA under three. If Corbin Burnes needs Tommy John [Surgery], or is out for the year and needs some kind of surgery, they’re screwed. Their seasons over.” Bowden said. 

Fox Sports' MLB insider Ken Rosenthal echoed Bowden's feelings during a recent segment on FS1. 

"They're already one of the most disappointing teams in the National League, right there with the Braves." Rosenthal said. "And if Burnes is out, they're liking looking, I would think, at becoming a seller." 

Among the Diamondbacks players both Bowden and Rosenthal mentioned as potential trade candidates were starting pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. 

Gallen, an All-Star in 2023, has struggled this season, going 3-7 with a 5.54 ERA. The 36-year-old Kelly might be a little more enticing for a team looking to make a run towards the postseason. He's 5-2 with a 3.78 ERA in 12 starts this spring. 

First baseman Josh Naylor (.297 BA, 7 HR, 37 RBIs) and reliever Shelby Miller (1.90 ERA, 5 saves) were also mentioned as potential trade bait. 

Nonetheless, how the Diamondbacks approach the remainder of the 2025 season likely rests on the MRI results of Corbin Burnes' right elbow.