Corbin Burnes, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner in 2021, has solidified himself as one of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB). His elite stuff, highlighted by a devastating curveball and a fastball that touches the mid-90s, has made him one of the most sought-after players in the upcoming free-agent market. Although Burnes is still under team control with the Milwaukee Brewers, rumors have circulated that he may be traded before hitting free agency, with multiple teams rumored to be interested in acquiring him for their rotation.
As Burnes enters the prime of his career, the big question is where he will ultimately land. There are several teams that could be in the market for a high-end starting pitcher like Burnes. Below, we’ll dive into some of the top landing spots for the right-hander based on recent rumors, team needs, and market conditions.
1. New York Yankees
The New York Yankees have long been considered a potential landing spot for top-tier pitchers like Burnes. Despite a historically strong rotation, the Yankees’ pitching staff has experienced injuries and inconsistencies, which have kept them from fully competing for championships in recent seasons. The team’s pitching staff has featured aces like Gerrit Cole, but the Yankees’ depth and lack of a consistent No. 2 starter has been a concern.
Recent rumors suggest that the Yankees are particularly interested in Burnes, especially with the possibility of the Brewers looking to trade him to maximize their return before he hits free agency. Given their financial flexibility and the clear need for a dominant No. 2 starter to pair with Cole, Burnes would be an ideal fit.
New York has always been an attractive destination for top-tier free agents, thanks to its deep pockets, large market, and competitive environment. Burnes’ ability to generate strikeouts and keep hitters off balance would make him an even more valuable asset for a Yankees rotation that has postseason aspirations.
Burnes would slot in perfectly behind Cole, giving the Yankees a dynamic 1-2 punch that could rival any rotation in baseball. Additionally, Burnes’ success in the National League would likely translate well to the American League, as his stuff is built for dominance across both leagues. If the Yankees are willing to part with some top prospects or a combination of MLB-ready talent, Burnes could easily be a target.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been consistently linked to high-profile free agents and trades, and Burnes is no exception. The Dodgers have one of the deepest farm systems in MLB, which gives them the flexibility to make major moves in acquiring pitchers like Burnes. Furthermore, after years of success, the Dodgers’ window to win championships is still wide open, making them prime candidates to invest in top-tier talent.
Burnes would bolster a Dodgers rotation that has been strong but could use a boost to ensure their championship window remains open. With Clayton Kershaw’s career winding down and questions about the consistency of pitchers like Julio Urías and Tony Gonsolin, the Dodgers are likely to pursue another ace-level arm. Burnes would provide the Dodgers with another Cy Young-caliber pitcher alongside the likes of Walker Buehler (once healthy), and Dustin May.
The Dodgers’ financial resources and ability to sign free agents are well-known, and they have the prospect capital to make a trade for Burnes work. If the Brewers opt to move Burnes via trade before his free agency, the Dodgers could be at the top of the list as one of the few teams willing to part with the necessary package to acquire him.
3. San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres have gone all-in in recent seasons, signing high-profile players like Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Xander Bogaerts. However, the team’s pitching staff has been one of their weak spots despite strong performances from Yu Darvish and Blake Snell (who is a free agent in 2024). The Padres are clearly in “win-now” mode, and Burnes would be an excellent addition to their rotation.
Given that the Padres are located in a division with the juggernaut Los Angeles Dodgers, they have a pressing need to upgrade their pitching staff in order to keep up with their competition. The team has the financial capability to sign top-tier players, and the front office is likely to pursue a starting pitcher of Burnes’ caliber to bolster their chances of a deep playoff run.
The Padres have a deep farm system and could put together a trade package that appeals to the Brewers. Additionally, Burnes’ ability to pitch in high-pressure environments and deliver when it counts could make him a valuable addition to the Padres’ postseason aspirations.
4. Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are another team that could emerge as a strong contender for Corbin Burnes in free agency or via trade. Toronto has one of the best young cores in baseball, with players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and George Springer. However, the Blue Jays’ starting rotation has been inconsistent in recent seasons, especially in the postseason.
Adding a high-end pitcher like Burnes would provide the Blue Jays with the ace they need to match up with the best teams in the American League. Toronto has the financial flexibility and prospect depth to make a move for Burnes, especially after their recent investment in bolstering their offense. With a young and talented roster, the Blue Jays are looking for that final piece to push them over the top, and Burnes could very well be that piece.
5. Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are another team that could be a strong contender for Burnes’ services, both through trade or free agency. With an already solid rotation, including ace Spencer Strider and veterans Max Fried and Charlie Morton, the Braves are always looking to add depth and elite talent to their roster. While Burnes may not be a top priority for the Braves, they’ve been aggressive in recent seasons in acquiring top-tier pitchers, and they could pursue Burnes if he becomes available.
One advantage the Braves have is their ability to build long-term contracts with players, which could be enticing to Burnes. The Braves have historically locked up their stars on team-friendly deals, which would appeal to a player like Burnes, who is looking for financial stability as well as championship contention. Additionally, the Braves’ top-tier farm system gives them the flexibility to make a trade, should they opt to go that route.
6. Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are in the midst of a rebuilding phase but are also focusing on building a competitive team for the near future. With a solid core of position players like Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, and Ian Happ, the Cubs are looking to bolster their pitching staff to ensure they can contend in the National League Central. Corbin Burnes would be an ideal fit for this team, both from a talent perspective and as a potential veteran leader for the Cubs’ pitching staff.
While the Cubs are not necessarily expected to be a top player in the Burnes sweepstakes, they have a strong farm system and the financial flexibility to sign a top-tier starter. Adding Burnes would immediately improve their pitching staff and could serve as the centerpiece of their rotation moving forward. Furthermore, given Burnes’ potential to be traded before hitting free agency, the Cubs may look to make an early move for him to solidify their rotation.
7. St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are another team that could be a contender for Burnes, especially given their current needs in the pitching department. Despite boasting a strong lineup of hitters, the Cardinals have struggled with their pitching in recent years, particularly in the rotation. A player of Burnes’ caliber would be a perfect addition to an organization that is accustomed to success but has fallen short in recent seasons.
St. Louis has the financial resources to pursue a deal for Burnes, and they also have a strong farm system to pull off a trade. The Cardinals may target Burnes as they look to return to their winning ways and compete with the other NL contenders.
