Three potential landing spots for Corbin Burnes

Corbin Burnes is in an enviable spot as free agency has begun.

Burnes was ranked as the second-best free agent and top pitcher available by MLB.com. He is a rarity in the game, a top-of-the-rotation pitcher who throws approximately 200 innings a year. Burnes also entered free agency relatively young, as he is just 30 years old.

Burnes has put together a strong resume. A four-time All-Star, he was the 2021 NL Cy Young award winner, leading the league in strikeouts (243). He put together another strong season as the Orioles' ace in 2024, posting a 2.92 ERA and a 1.096 WHIP in his 194.1 innings, striking out 181 batters with 48 walks. Burnes would instantly slot in as the staff ace for most teams, a dependable arm to build a rotation around.

Where will Corbin Burnes end up in free agency? Let's take a look at three possible landing spots.

Baltimore Orioles

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Orioles are "ready to spend" and want to keep Burnes. If that is the case, then the Orioles cannot be counted out of any bidding war.

It would also be a marked change to the Orioles' philosophy in free agency. Per MLB Trade Rumors, Burnes is projected to receive a seven-year deal worth $200 million. The Orioles have spent a combined $57.9 million in free agency since 2020, the lowest in the majors. Signing Burnes would also send a message to the other players on the roster and the fan base that the Orioles are serious about contending.

Boston Red Sox

Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reported that Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said the team is looking to "raise the ceiling of the rotation." Burnes would immediately do just that.

The Red Sox have a solid trio in Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford and Tanner Houck. Lucas Giolito is expected to return sometime in 2025. However, none of those pitchers are top of the rotation arms. Burnes would give the Red Sox a needed ace to contend in the AL East. If the Red Sox are serious about improving their rotation, Burnes should be atop their shopping list.

New York Mets

Although Burnes has never pitched for the New York Mets, there is a degree of familiarity. President of baseball operations David Stearns was a part of the Brewers organization when Burnes was in Milwaukee.

The Mets rotation could undergo significant changes this offseason. Jose Quintana, Sean Manaea and Luis Severino are free agents, with Manaea and Severino receiving the qualifying offer. Kodai Senga made just one appearance, lasting 5.1 innings, in 2024. The Mets need a workhorse and a top of the rotation arm to pair with Senga. Burnes would be both.