Pete Alonso and Corbin Burnes might betray fans by re-signing with their teams

In December 2024, Corbin Burnes, a prominent Major League Baseball pitcher, finalized a lucrative agreement with the Arizona Diamondbacks valued at $210 million over six years. This contract not only marks a significant milestone for Burnes, following a successful season with the Baltimore Orioles where he posted a 15-9 record along with a 2.92 ERA, but it also represents the largest contract in the Diamondbacks' franchise history. The acquisition of Burnes, considered one of the top free agents available, is part of Arizona's strategy to strengthen their roster and compete against the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West. The Diamondbacks recently showed competitive potential, having reached the World Series in 2023, and are aiming to build a pitching rotation that can match their rivals. Burnes contributes to a robust starting rotation that may also include notable pitchers like Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. His previous accolades include a fifth-place finish in Cy Young Award voting in the American League, and he has consistently achieved at least 28 starts per season for the past four years. Burnes's performance statistics from his last season display his skill, as he earned a career-high 22 quality starts. His lower strikeout rate of 8.38 per nine innings highlights a slight decline in that aspect, even though he posted an improved walk rate of 2.22. This combination of factors underscores Burnes's durability and talent on the mound. While the Diamondbacks historically have had a payroll ranking in the middle tier among MLB teams, the investment in Burnes signifies a shift towards greater spending to ensure competitiveness within the league. The strategic move to sign Burnes follows the precedent set by other teams, such as the Dodgers, who recently secured Blake Snell, and aims to establish the Diamondbacks as a formidable presence in the season ahead.