The frenzy of MLB’s trade deadline has come and gone, and teams like the New York Yankees are already setting their sights on the 2024 season. One question on the horizon is whether general manager Brian Cashman is planning to make a major move in free agency this winter. Could Corbin Burnes, the current ace for the Baltimore Orioles, be at the top of Cashman’s list?
In a Bleacher Report live stream, Tyler Ward explored potential destinations for some of baseball’s top free agents this offseason. Among the six players he highlighted, Ward predicted that the Yankees would secure Burnes with a significant free-agent contract.
Burnes, who won the National League Cy Young Award in 2021, has been exceptional in his first season with the Orioles. With an 11-4 record, a 2.47 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 128 strikeouts in 138.2 innings, he was named an All-Star in 2024 and started the game for the American League.
As one of the most coveted free agents this winter, Burnes is projected to command a hefty contract. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer suggests that he could land a deal worth up to $288 million over eight years.
How Corbin Burnes Would Upgrade the Yankees’ Starting Rotation
Since 2020, Corbin Burnes has established himself as one of baseball’s most reliable aces. He boasts a 2.79 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 893 strikeouts over his last 761 innings, maintaining his durability by taking the mound nearly every fifth day.
Aside from the pandemic-impacted 2020 season, Burnes has made at least 28 starts annually from 2021 to 2023. With 22 starts already in 2024, he is poised to extend this streak for another season.
Looking ahead, the Yankees are expected to have Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, Luis Gil, Marcus Stroman, and Nestor Cortes under contract for 2025, according to FanGraphs’ Roster Resource. This list does not include Gerrit Cole, who could opt out of the final four years and $144 million of his $324 million contract this winter, unless the Yankees agree to an additional $36 million for the 2029 season.
Should Cole decide to opt out and not re-sign, acquiring Burnes would provide the Yankees with a new, dependable ace. If Cole remains with the team, adding Burnes would create a formidable one-two punch at the top of their rotation.
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This Probably Won’t Be New York’s Top Offseason Priority
With MLB’s offseason still about four months away, the Yankees’ priorities could shift significantly before then. However, it’s likely that targeting Corbin Burnes may not be at the top of Brian Cashman’s to-do list this winter.
Instead, it seems that outfielder Juan Soto could be the Yankees’ primary focus. Soto, who is expected to command a deal exceeding $500 million when he hits free agency, was also mentioned by Tyler Ward during his Bleacher Report live stream. Ward predicted that the New York Mets might secure Soto, which could potentially give the Yankees more room to pursue Burnes with a substantial contract.
While the Yankees could be a logical long-term destination for Soto, it will depend on how aggressively they pursue him. If they are unable to land Soto, they may need to adjust their strategy quickly. Acquiring a pitcher like Burnes would not only strengthen New York’s rotation but also prevent him from joining a division rival like the Orioles.
