Can the Dodgers Make a Run at Corbin Burnes This Offseason?
Corbin Burnes is slated to leave Baltimore this winter as he enters free agency. The 30-year-old is one of the best pitchers in baseball, and will earn himself a massive payday in free agency. Burnes finished 2024 with a 2.92 ERA and a 15-9 record. He threw 181 strikeouts.
The right-hander’s phenomenal season with the Orioles made him one of the most coveted free agents to hit the market. Burnes, along with Juan Soto, are predicted to get massive offers from their next teams this offseason. Both Burnes and Soto have now been linked to the Dodgers.
The Dodgers are in need of starting pitching. After entering the 2024 season with a plethora of starters, L.A. had just three for the postseason — Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Jack Flaherty (who they acquired at the trade deadline), and Walker Buehler (who had the worst regular season of his career).
The Dodgers know better than anyone that you can never have enough pitching, and Burnes would be the biggest get in all of free agency.
As evidenced by last offseason, the Dodgers aren’t afraid to sign high-profile players. President of baseball operations signed Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani ahead of the 2024 season.
The Dodgers have also been rumored to be on the market for a star shortstop like Willy Adames or Bo Bichette. While there is no confirmation about any free agent, the speculation frenzy has just begun.
The Dodgers will have to make decisions regarding pitchers internally and externally. Internally, the Dodgers will have to decide whether they want to keep Buehler, who’s entering free agency. While Buehler would be cheaper, Burnes would give L.A. the best rotation in MLB.
Before spending a season in Baltimore, the right-hander spent several years with the Milwaukee Brewers. Burnes spent six seasons in Milwaukee where he posted a 3.26 ERA and took home the NL Cy Young in 2021. He also made three All-Star teams when he was with the Brewers.
With Shohei Ohtani’s highly-deferred contract, the Dodgers will likely be aggressive in free agency yet again. Could that mean a splash acquisition of the best free agent pitcher? Don’t put it past Andrew Friedman and co.
Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
I shouldn’t, but I can’t help but hold his 2021 Cy Young award against him. 2 Dodgers that year, Buehler and Urias had better years, much better years, but Burnes got the Cy Young award. Who has a better year, an 11-5 pitcher, or a 16-4 or a 20-3 pitcher? Hmmmm. Granted I don’t follow the game as closely as the people who do the voting, but really. Really?
OK, rant is done. He is an ace who is averaging 32 starts a year over the past 3 years. 37-25 record, very good. On the other hand, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Dodgers pitching coaching staff can up his fastball a couple of MPH and have him needing TJ surgery before the end of the ’25 season.
Yes, color me cynical.