Corbin Burnes Joins the Arizona Diamondbacks. A New Move in the Signing Period
Corbin Burnes, An Outstanding Player
Corbin Burnes, an exceptional pitcher from California, has officially signed a six-year, $210 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This deal marks a major milestone in his career and signals the Diamondbacks’ commitment to competing in the NL West division.
Signing Period Market Context
About three weeks after Burnes agreed to the deal, seeing him in a Diamondbacks jersey at Chase Field on Wednesday surprised many. The Diamondbacks are not typically among the big spenders in Major League Baseball, but this significant investment highlights their ambition for the upcoming season.
Evaluating Owner Ken Kendrick
Arizona’s owner, Ken Kendrick, emphasized that Burnes is a worthy investment. “We have the potential to become a championship team,” Kendrick stated. He also mentioned that the team was “stretching the budget” to put the best lineup on the field. This might not be the last time the Diamondbacks make such moves.
Diamondbacks’ 2023 Season Performance
Signing Burnes helps the Diamondbacks remain competitive in the NL West, a division home to strong teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants. Arizona has every reason to be optimistic after reaching the 2023 World Series and aims for another successful season.
Previous Season Record
Last season, the Diamondbacks achieved an impressive record with 89 wins. However, they fell short of the playoffs after losing the tiebreaker series to the New York Mets. This shows that the team still needs to push to improve and remain competitive.
Changing the Landscape
Before signing Burnes, Arizona had a payroll of about $143 million on Opening Day, placing them roughly in the middle of MLB in terms of spending. However, with this big signing, the Diamondbacks are looking to change the landscape and make a difference.
The Importance of Elite Pitchers
Arizona’s general manager, Mike Hazen, emphasized the importance of having a top-tier pitcher in the lineup. “There’s no better way to do that than to add a top pitcher to the top of your rotation,” Hazen said. Burnes is expected to help the team win crucial games.
Corbin Burnes: His Journey to Arizona
Burnes moved to Arizona in 2018 while still with the Milwaukee Brewers, primarily to be closer to the Brewers’ spring training facility. However, the family life on the East Coast didn’t suit him, which influenced his decision to sign with the Diamondbacks.
Burnes’ Family Life
Burnes regularly flew home to Arizona between starts and nearly missed the birth of his twins in June due to a plane incident. Now, with his move to the Diamondbacks, he will have more opportunities to spend time with his family, which he values deeply.
The Evolution of the Diamondbacks’ Lineup
Burnes will join a rotation already featuring excellent pitchers like Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Brandon Pfaadt. This combination could create one of the best pitching staffs in the league, offering a high level of competition in games.
Recognizing Team Improvements
Burnes recognizes the Diamondbacks as one of the emerging teams in 2023. The team made significant improvements and played with speed, defence, and strong pitching. Manager Torey Lovullo has emphasized applying pressure on opposing teams through an aggressive approach, which has led to good results.
Hope for Future Success
The Diamondbacks hope that the Burnes deal will prove more effective than their recent free agent acquisitions. They are looking for a pitcher who can make a real difference in their lineup and help push them further in the next season.
Unsuccessful Deals in the Past
Previously, the Diamondbacks signed left-handed pitcher Madison Bumgarner for $85 million over five years, but the results fell short of expectations. Bumgarner only pitched for three and a half seasons before being let go. Other deals with Eduardo Rodriguez and Jordan Montgomery also fell through, prompting the team to reconsider its strategy.
General Manager Mike Hazen’s Determination
General Manager Mike Hazen is not afraid to return to the free-agent market, especially with an opportunity to sign a player of Burnes’ calibre. “You’d better be doing something else if we are still concerned about adding someone of this stature,” Hazen emphasized.
A Bright Future for the Diamondbacks
With the investment in Corbin Burnes, the Diamondbacks are looking forward to a brighter future. They want not only to compete in the upcoming season but also to build a strong and sustainable lineup for the years to come. Burnes could play a pivotal role in this plan.
Corbin Burnes’ Impact
Corbin Burnes’ $210 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks is a significant step in his career and an essential strategy for the team to bolster their strength. With high expectations from the management and fans, Burnes will play an important role in the Diamondbacks’ quest for championships in the future. The determination and clear vision will guide the team to reach even greater goals in the league.
