Why Former Brewers Player Corbin Burnes Chose the Arizona Diamondbacks Over the Giants and Blue Jays

Corbin Burnes, the former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher and a key figure in the team’s rotation for the past few seasons, made a major decision regarding his future as a professional baseball player. In a surprising turn of events, Burnes opted to join the Arizona Diamondbacks, leaving behind the possibility of a move to other contenders like the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays. His decision has intrigued fans, analysts, and baseball enthusiasts alike, sparking discussions about the factors that played into Burnes’ choice.

In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind Burnes’ decision to select the Diamondbacks, looking at a combination of team dynamics, financial considerations, potential for success, personal preferences, and his career trajectory.

1. The Diamondbacks’ Competitive Rebuilding Effort

The Arizona Diamondbacks have gone through a period of rebuilding and retooling over the past few years. However, the team’s trajectory took a significant turn in 2023, as they exceeded expectations by reaching the National League Championship Series (NLCS). This breakthrough season marked the beginning of what could be a sustained period of competitiveness, making them a strong destination for any top-tier player like Burnes.

One key factor that likely influenced Burnes’ decision is the Diamondbacks’ growing competitiveness. With an improving young core, led by players like Ketel Marte, Corbin Carroll, and Alek Thomas, Arizona is poised to be a regular contender in the National League. Burnes, who is in the prime of his career, likely sees the Diamondbacks as a team on the rise, offering a chance for him to make an immediate impact while also joining a team with the potential to contend for championships.

While the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays also have strong, playoff-caliber rosters, the Diamondbacks offer a unique combination of youth and opportunity. Arizona’s pitching staff, which has shown promise with young arms such as Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, could benefit greatly from Burnes’ presence. The idea of joining a team that has the potential for sustained success but is not yet an established powerhouse may have appealed to Burnes, giving him a chance to be a pivotal piece in the team’s championship aspirations.

2. The Giants and Blue Jays: Strong but Less Attractive Situations

The San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays, while both strong teams, may have presented situations that were less enticing to Burnes for various reasons.

The Giants, for instance, have been a team in transition. While they have a strong track record, their roster has undergone significant changes in recent years. Despite having key pieces like Logan Webb in their rotation and power hitters such as Joc Pederson and Mike Yastrzemski, the Giants have struggled to remain consistent at the highest level, particularly with their pitching staff. Burnes, a pitcher known for his dominant performances, might have viewed the Giants as lacking the kind of stability or trajectory he was seeking in a new team. The idea of joining a club that has struggled to find a consistent winning formula could have made the Diamondbacks’ fresh energy and growth more appealing.

The Toronto Blue Jays, meanwhile, are already a team brimming with talent, particularly offensively, but the pitching staff has often been a point of contention. While they have solid arms like Kevin Gausman and Alek Manoah (who had a down year in 2023), Burnes might have felt that the Blue Jays, despite their playoff appearances, were not in as much of a position to compete for the World Series in the short term compared to the Diamondbacks. The Blue Jays’ pitching staff is known for being hit-or-miss at times, and joining a staff like that could be a gamble for a pitcher who thrives on control and consistency like Burnes.

In comparison, the Diamondbacks’ more balanced roster, which includes both established pitchers and emerging talent, could offer Burnes the perfect environment to succeed. It also gives him the opportunity to become a central figure in a rotation that has the potential to become one of the best in the league.

3. Financial Considerations and Contract Terms

Another key reason Burnes might have chosen the Diamondbacks over the Giants and Blue Jays is financial considerations. While Burnes has not yet signed a contract with Arizona (as of this writing), the Diamondbacks could have offered a more lucrative contract or a more favorable structure for the pitcher’s long-term career goals.

The Brewers had Burnes under control for a few more seasons, meaning that his choice of a new team likely came with the prospect of a big payday in free agency. Both the Blue Jays and Giants have deep pockets, but it’s possible that Arizona offered a financial package that was more aligned with Burnes’ future aspirations. The Diamondbacks, having seen their payroll rise with their recent success, may have been willing to invest in a high-profile arm like Burnes to solidify their status as a serious contender.

Additionally, Arizona’s lack of recent success compared to the Blue Jays and Giants might have allowed them to negotiate a more favorable contract for Burnes in terms of years and salary. If Burnes were looking for long-term security, the Diamondbacks might have been in a position to offer him the stability and resources that other teams might not have been able to match.

4. Geographic and Personal Preferences

Beyond team performance and finances, Burnes’ personal preferences likely played a significant role in his decision-making process. One possible factor is Burnes’ comfort with the geography of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona, being in the National League and geographically closer to his home state of Indiana, could have offered a sense of familiarity or comfort that would make playing there more appealing.

Burnes has spent most of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers, a team known for its relatively low-key media environment and focus on player development rather than external expectations. Arizona, while certainly an MLB market, is not as pressure-packed as larger cities like Toronto or San Francisco. Burnes may have preferred to join a team where the spotlight is not as intense, allowing him to focus on his craft without being constantly under the microscope.

In addition, the Phoenix area has a growing baseball culture, with a variety of training and development resources that might attract Burnes. The Diamondbacks’ spring training facility, Salt River Fields, is one of the premier spring training sites in the country, offering excellent facilities and access to Arizona’s extensive baseball network. Burnes might have seen this as an advantage for his personal development and a sign that the organization values player growth.

5. The Pitching Development and Coaching Staff in Arizona

Burnes is widely regarded as one of the best pitchers in baseball, and his decision to leave the Brewers likely involved a desire to continue developing as an elite pitcher. The Diamondbacks have invested in their pitching staff in recent years, and their pitching coach, Brent Strom, is known as one of the best in the game when it comes to player development. Strom has worked with pitchers such as Zack Greinke and Lance McCullers Jr., helping them to reach their full potential. Burnes, known for his cutter, slider, and high strikeout rate, would benefit immensely from working with Strom and his reputation for refining pitchers’ skills.

Joining a team with a strong development infrastructure and a commitment to pitching excellence would give Burnes the tools he needs to continue to evolve and potentially become even better. Given that Burnes has already established himself as an ace, his decision to join a team that emphasizes coaching and development could be indicative of his desire to reach new heights in his career.