Will Corbin Burnes’ free agency run take place only between Orioles and Dodgers?

MLB teams join the race to acquire star pitcher Corbin Burnes in free agency; frontrunners being Orioles and Dodgers.

Will Corbin Burnes’ free agency run take place only between Orioles and Dodgers?

Corbin Burnes [Image Credit: MLB]

Following a stellar 2024 season run, pitcher Corbin Burnes is now experiencing free agency. His suitors have all lined up with some emerging as dark horses in the race.

For now, the Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Dodgers seem to be the frontrunners of the race. However, MLB insider Jon Morosi spoke about the New York Mets being a possible competitor for Burnes on MLB Network.

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In the pitching market, Burnes and Blake Snell have been two of the top prospects for teams. After completing the 2024 season with the Orioles, the team is hoping to sign him back for next season.

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Unfortunately, the team fell short in the ALCS series this season. However, they can add him to the lineup to bolster the effect or trade for a pitcher like Garrett Crochet, a former Chicago White Sox player.

While the Orioles may be the top option for Burnes as he already played with them, the Mets and Dodgers are not far behind. Despite having pitchers lineup in Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, and Tyler Glasnow, the team is looking to further strengthen the roster.

Last year, several Dodgers players hit IL, proving it difficult for the team to give its 100%. Despite the odds, they won the World Series title in only five games against the New York Yankees.

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However, manager Dave Roberts believes there’s no such thing as more pitchers in the lineup. They’ll definitely be checking for top-tier prospects in the free agency market to further solidify and hold the crown even in 2025.

Top suitors for Corbin Burnes in 2024 free agency

The top suitors for Corbin Burnes in 2024 free agency are – the Orioles, Dodgers, NY Mets, NY Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays. One commonality between them is Juan Soto. Most of these teams are in the race to get the $600 million outfielder’s services.

Corbin Burnes [Image Credit: NY Times]
Corbin Burnes [Image Credit: NY Times]

Apart from the Orioles and Dodgers, Mets’ president of baseball operations David Stearns, and Corbin Burnes are familiar with each other. However, their persuasion will depend on whether Soto signs with them or not. If they are to deal with Soto in a high-agency market, they may not be able to sign Burnes. 

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Most teams will be looking out for Juan Soto’s signing before making any aggressive move for the pitching market. Burnes, Blake Snell, and Max Fried are the top three pitchers available to sign with any of the 30 MLB teams this season.