The Arizona Diamondbacks are making a bold statement with their latest free agent acquisition – and it’s not just talk. By inking 4-time All-Star and former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes to a 6-year, $210 million deal, the D-backs are broadcasting loud and clear that they intend to be serious World Series contenders, not just in 2025 but for the foreseeable future.
It’s a striking move for a mid-market franchise not typically known for making huge splashes in free agency. But Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick views it as a worthwhile investment for a club on the rise. “We have the potential to be a championship team,” Kendrick declared while introducing his new ace at Chase Field. “Our job is to try and do everything we can to put the best team on the field possible that we can afford. We’re stretching the budget.”
Stacking Up in a Stacked NL West
There’s no question the Diamondbacks needed to make a bold move to keep pace in the ultra-competitive NL West. The Dodgers are perennial big spenders fresh off a 2024 title. The Padres and Giants are no slouches either in the free agent market. But Arizona served notice that they belong in that contender conversation by winning 89 games and taking the Mets to a tiebreaker for a playoff spot last season.
D-backs GM Mike Hazen understands that elite starting pitching is what separates the great teams, especially in October. “We’re looking to push forward, to put the best team possible on the field this year and beyond,” Hazen explained. “There’s no better way to do that than to add a No. 1 starting pitcher to the top of your rotation.”
Battle-Tested Veteran Presence
In Burnes, the Diamondbacks are getting a proven veteran entering his prime at age 30. He’s been a model of excellence and consistency, making the All-Star team the past 4 seasons between Milwaukee and Baltimore. The righty posted a sterling 2.92 ERA in 2024 and will now front a talented Arizona rotation that could be one of the best in baseball.
They’re playing a different style of baseball and I think we’re starting to see that around the league. But to me, the Diamondbacks were the first team to do that.
– Corbin Burnes on the Diamondbacks
Burnes had effusive praise for the organization’s drafting and development, and called the chance to pitch in Arizona a “dream” scenario. He already resided in the Phoenix area and relished the opportunity to play close to home after a trying 2024 season that saw him constantly flying cross-country while his wife was pregnant with twins.
Now or Never
The D-backs are staking a lot on this Burnes signing after getting disappointing results from other notable free agent pitcher additions like Madison Bumgarner and Eduardo Rodriguez. But Hazen and the front office believe this time is different, that Burnes is the real deal who can put them over the top. It’s an aggressive, win-now move for an organization that senses its championship window is wide open.
- Elite rotation with Burnes, Gallen, Kelly, Rodriguez, Pfaadt
- Core of rising stars like Carroll, Thomas, Moreno, Walston
- Proven veterans Marte, McCarthy, Bohm, Perdomo, Smith
The pressure is on Burnes to live up to his record-breaking contract and lead the Diamondbacks to the promised land. It’s a high-stakes gamble, but one the D-backs are confident will pay off huge dividends. Opposing teams have been put on notice – the Snakes are going for it all in 2025 and beyond. Buckle up, the NL West just got even wilder!