Corbin Burnes, the former Milwaukee Brewers ace, is reportedly expected to sign a deal surpassing Max Fried’s record-breaking $218 million contract with the New York Yankees.
This development has positioned Burnes as the top free-agent pitcher available this offseason. Teams such as the Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants are considered frontrunners for Burnes’ services, with both clubs prepared to compete aggressively in negotiations.
Fried’s recent deal with the Yankees set a high benchmark for elite left-handed pitchers, and Burnes’ consistent dominance, highlighted by his Cy Young-winning 2021 season and recent performances, has made him a coveted asset in the free-agent market
The Brewers dealt Burnes away in part because he was going to land a massive contract. He hasn’t yet, but he should soon. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand said that he is predicted to top New York Yankees star Max Fried’s $218 million deal and land a contract worth at least $245 million.
“The (Toronto Blue Jays) and (San Francisco Giants) remain the favorites to sign Burnes, who should ink a deal worth more than Fried’s $218 million,” Feinsand said. “Multiple industry sources predicted that Burnes would sign for at least $245 million, matching or exceeding the guaranteed total Stephen Strasburg received at the Winter Meetings five years ago – a contract that remains the third-largest deal in history for a starting pitcher.”
Burnes is just 30 years old and has been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball over the last seven years. He logged a 2.92 ERA across 32 starts in 2024 with the Baltimore Orioles. Burnes earned his fourth All-Star nod and had a 181-to-48 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 194 1/3 innings pitched.
