The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a significant move by signing ace pitcher Corbin Burnes to a six-year, $210 million contract, which includes an opt-out clause after the 2026 season. This decision comes after the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays reportedly hesitated to meet Burnes' contractual demands. At 30 years old, Burnes has established himself as one of baseball's most reliable pitchers, boasting a 2.88 ERA and a 29% strikeout rate over 816 2/3 innings since the 2020 season.

Burnes' addition is aimed at bolstering a Diamondbacks pitching staff that struggled last season, allowing the fifth-most runs per game. With only 72 combined starts from their veteran pitchers, the team is reportedly looking to trade Jordan Montgomery, who had a disappointing debut season with a 6.23 ERA. Burnes is expected to provide a stabilizing presence in the rotation, allowing younger pitchers like Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson to develop alongside him.

While Burnes transitions to Chase Field, which is known for being more hitter-friendly than his previous home in Baltimore, his track record of limiting hard contact offers some reassurance. However, concerns linger regarding his declining strikeout rate, which has decreased over the past four seasons. Despite these issues, Burnes remains a highly sought-after fantasy pitcher, currently projected as a top-seven starting pitcher in upcoming drafts.

Corbin Burnes, a four-time All-Star and one of the premier starting pitchers in Major League Baseball, has signed a lucrative six-year, $210 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This move marks Burnes' second consecutive offseason relocation, as he previously played for the Baltimore Orioles after being traded from the Milwaukee Brewers. The contract includes an opt-out clause after two years, allowing Burnes flexibility in his career decisions.

During his time with the Orioles, Burnes proved to be an invaluable asset, ranking seventh in the American League with a 3.7 FanGraphs wins above replacement. He posted an impressive 2.92 ERA and recorded 181 strikeouts over 194.1 innings across 32 starts, solidifying his reputation as a frontline starter. His performance earned him a spot in the All-Star game for the fourth consecutive year, where he pitched opposite Pittsburgh Pirates star Paul Skenes.

Despite his accolades, there are concerns regarding Burnes' declining strikeout rates over the past four seasons, dropping from a career-high of 13.3 strikeouts per nine innings in 2020 to 8.4 last season. However, his overall metrics remain strong, as he ranked in the 80th percentile or better in several key pitching categories. At just 30 years old, Burnes is expected to continue performing at a high level, making him a significant addition to the Diamondbacks' rotation, which also includes Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, among others.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are well-equipped with starting pitchers as they approach the 2025 season, which may lead to innovative strategies for utilizing their depth. With five established starters and promising prospects, the team faces a decision regarding Drey Jameson, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Jameson, expected to return by Spring Training, may transition to a relief role instead of starting, given his extended absence from competitive play. The Diamondbacks have already experimented with him in the bullpen, and his previous performances suggest he could adapt well to this new position.

The MLB General Manager Meetings concluded without significant trades, but discussions hinted at potential offseason moves, particularly involving starting pitchers from the Arizona Diamondbacks and Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Diamondbacks, one year post-World Series, are evaluating their pitching roster, with Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly as key figures. Meanwhile, the Pirates boast a youthful rotation, with players like Mitch Keller and Paul Skenes drawing interest.

Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen has met with pitcher Jordan Montgomery following harsh criticism from team owner Ken Kendrick. Montgomery, who signed a one-year, $25 million contract, struggled with a 6.23 ERA and was demoted to the bullpen, but he has exercised his player option for 2025.

Kendrick admitted that signing Montgomery was a mistake, acknowledging his poor performance as a significant error. Despite this, Hazen remains optimistic about the team's starting pitching depth heading into the offseason.