Ken Rosenthal reports that Corbin Burnes' trade value may be compromised

Per Ken Rosenthal the trade value of Milwaukee Brewers ace Corbin Burnes may be compromised.

Corbin Burnes was the 2021 Cy Young award winner.  That year he struck batters out at an incredible 35.6% clip, excelled at limiting walks, accumulated a 7.5 fWAR, and won the ERA title at 2.43.  A year later he surpassed 200 innings pitched, had a 2.94 ERA, 4.6 fWAR, and struck batters out 30.5% of the time.

To begin 2023 he is walking more batters than the two prior seasons, his strikeout rate is down to just 24.3%, and he has a 3.44 ERA through his first 14 starts.  These statistics played a factor in Ken Rosenthal’s latest comments on his trade value being compromised.

Brewers right-hander Corbin Burnes has trended downward in the two seasons since he won the 2021 NL Cy Young Award, possibly compromising his value if the Brewers consider trading him.

Burnes’ average fastball velocity has dropped from the 83rd percentile to the 75th to the 64th.  His whiff rate has dropped from the 97th percentile to the 95th to the 72nd.  And his strikeout rate has declined from 35.6% to 24.3%.

Another trend with Burnes is that he is holding left-handed hitters to a .481 OPS, likely reflecting the effectiveness of his back-door cutter, while righties are at .734.  He held righties to a .471 OPS in 2021 and .593 OPS in ’22.

Ken Rosenthal’s viewpoint gives off vibes that the Brewers should now strongly consider moving Corbin Burnes this year or perhaps even missed out on the best return possible.  It’s an interesting take and certainly an angle that could gain traction as we continue to inch towards the August 1 trade deadline.