The MLB trade deadline has officially passed. While teams like the New York Yankees remain focused on 2024, general manager Brian Cashman may be considering some huge free agency moves this winter. Is Corbin Burnes, the Baltimore Orioles’ ace right now, at the top of his list? Tyler Ward discussed potential winter destinations for some of baseball’s biggest stars during a live broadcast on Bleacher Report. Ward predicted that Burnes would get a lucrative free-agent contract with the Yankees.
Burnes, who won the National League Cy Young Award in 2021, is enjoying a tremendous season in his first year with the Orioles. He is 11-4 with a 2.47 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and 128 strikeouts in 138.2 innings pitched. He was named an All-Star in 2024 and began his career as an American League starting pitcher. This winter, the right-hander is expected to be one of the finest free-agent options. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer estimates the pitcher could negotiate a contract worth up to $288 million over eight years.
How Corbin Burnes Could Improve the Opening Lineup
For the Yankees. Since 2020, Burnes has developed as one of baseball’s most dependable aces. In his previous 761 innings, he has a 2.79 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP, and 893 strikeouts. Furthermore, he has taken the ball nearly every other day. With the exception of the 2020 season, which was cut short due to the pandemic, Burnes started at least 28 games between 2021 and 2023. He’s already made 22 starts in 2024, so this streak will most likely continue for another season.
The Yankees will have contracts with Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, Luis Gil, Marcus Stroman, and Nestor Cortes until at least 2025, according to FanGraphs’ Roster Resource. Naturally, Gerrit Cole is not included in that. If the Yankees do not offer him an additional $36 million in 2029, he may opt out of the final four years and $144 million of his $324 million contract this winter. If Cole chooses to opt out and does not sign with New York again, the Bombers will have a new, trustworthy ace in Burns. If Cole stayed, the Yankees’ rotation would be bolstered by a formidable one-two punch.
Most likely not New York’s top offseason goal. There are about four months left until the MLB offseason begins.
The Yankees’ priorities may shift substantially in the interim. However, making a significant effect for Burnes is unlikely to be Cashman’s first focus this winter. The outfielder Juan Soto, who is eligible for a contract worth more than $500 million this winter, is most likely the player in that position. Ward discussed a variety of players, including Soto, during his Bleacher Report live stream. He expected the left-handed slugger to sign with the New York Mets, allowing the Yankees greater leeway to potentially sign Burnes to a large contract.
