Corbin Burnes has signed a six-year, $210 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, making him one of the highest-paid pitchers in baseball. The deal marks a significant investment by the team’s owner Ken Kendrick, who believes the team has the potential to be a championship contender.
Burnes, 30, joins a rotation that includes All-Star Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, and will replace the recently signed Eduardo Rodriguez. The right-hander had previously played for the Milwaukee Brewers and Baltimore Orioles before joining his hometown team in Arizona.
The Diamondbacks have made significant investments in their pitching staff in recent years, but Burnes’ deal has raised questions about the team’s ability to sustain long-term success. The team’s general manager Mike Hazen said that the pitcher’s presence is a key factor in their quest for a championship.
“We know that’s what wins in the postseason and we know that’s what gets you to the postseason,” Hazen said.
Burnes, who had previously expressed excitement about the possibility of joining the Diamondbacks, was thrilled with the opportunity. “This is something you dream about – what happens if the Diamondbacks call? We had to take it,” he said.
The deal marks a significant coup for the Diamondbacks, who have been trying to build a competitive team in the NL West. The team’s recent signings of Rodriguez and Jordan Montgomery were seen as disappointments, but Hazen believes that Burnes’ signing will help the team achieve its goals.
“We’re stretching the budget, but we believe it won’t be the last time,” Kendrick said. “We’re looking to put the best team possible on the field this year and beyond.”
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43429400/diamondbacks-eye-potential-title-addition-corbin-burnes