Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports that the race to sign free-agent starting pitcher Corbin Burnes is tightening. The Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants are currently leading as potential destinations, while the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles remain in contention.
The Orioles shouldn’t be counted out, as Burnes might return if they present an enticing offer. The 30-year-old right-hander is a sought-after free agent after an impressive 2024 season with Baltimore, posting a 15-9 record, a 2.92 ERA, and 181 strikeouts.
Teams in the Running for Corbin Burnes Narrowing Down
Top Suitors For Burnes
The Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Giants are leading the race to acquire Burnes, who would be a game-changing addition for Toronto. So far, the Blue Jays have had a relatively quiet offseason, only signing Andrés Giménez and re-signing Yimi García. With a clear need for a starting pitcher, landing Burnes would be a monumental move for the team. Meanwhile, the Giants have stepped up their pursuit by meeting with Scott Boras and increasing their offer over the weekend.
The Red Sox, on the other hand, have been very active this offseason, acquiring Garrett Crochet, Aroldis Chapman, and Patrick Sandoval. They remain aggressive in their pursuit of Burnes, who is expected to choose the best deal available, keeping all three teams on high alert. The Giants have already made waves by signing Willy Adames to a franchise-record deal, while Blue Jays fans are eagerly awaiting their team’s marquee addition. Although signing Giménez was a positive step, Toronto still has significant gaps to fill.
Burnes may also be monitoring the situations of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, as trade rumors continue to swirl around both players. While there’s still time left in the offseason, any team looking to secure Burnes will need to present a compelling and substantial offer to win the ace’s services.
Be the first to comment