Several top free-agent starting pitchers have already signed deals, with left-handers Blake Snell and Max Fried joining the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, respectively, on contracts totaling $390 million. These moves are likely to benefit Him, the top remaining starter on the market. Given his youth, consistency, and durability, Burnes is expected to command an even larger deal than his counterparts.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants have emerged as the leading contenders for the 30-year-old pitcher. Both teams are reportedly preparing to offer Burnes a contract potentially worth up to $240 million.
The Blue Jays and Giants have demonstrated a willingness to spend big in recent offseasons, with both making strong pushes for Shohei Ohtani last year. After finishing below .500 and missing the playoffs in 2024, both clubs are in dire need of a star player to revitalize their postseason hopes, making their pursuit of Burnes logical.
The Blue Jays might have more financial flexibility, as they’ve struggled to land their top targets in recent years. The Giants, on the other hand, recently signed Willy Adames to a seven-year, $182 million deal to be their franchise shortstop—a significant financial commitment that could influence their ability to pursue other free agents. However, given their aggressive bid for Ohtani last year, it’s clear the Giants are not shy about making big investments.
Blue Jays and Giants duke it out for Corbin Burnes’ signature
There are some questions about Corbin Burnes’ long-term viability as an ace. While his strikeout rate has been declining since 2021, he’s compensating by generating more ground balls and limiting hard contact, which offsets the apparent dip in his stuff.
Burnes’ greatest strength as an ace is his durability; over the past three seasons, he’s pitched 590 innings across 97 starts since 2022. For teams like the Blue Jays and Giants, who dealt with major injury issues last year, his reliability could be invaluable. Ultimately, it will come down to which team is willing to offer the 30-year-old right-hander the largest contract.
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