SHOCKING NEWS: Corbin Burnes REJECTS Diamondbacks’ Record-Breaking Six-Year Deal
In a stunning turn of events that’s sending shockwaves through Major League Baseball, former Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes has reportedly rejected a six-year, $210 million contract from the Arizona Diamondbacks—despite it being the largest deal ever offered in franchise history. The deal, which would’ve made Burnes the highest-paid player in Diamondbacks history and one of the top-earning pitchers in the league, was expected to signal Arizona’s full commitment to contending in the National League West.
According to multiple league sources, the contract was presented to Burnes and his representatives earlier this month following weeks of negotiations. The Diamondbacks, fresh off an impressive playoff run in 2024, had made Burnes their top offseason priority, hoping to anchor their rotation with a proven ace. Many insiders even believed the deal was all but finalized after the team publicly teased a “major announcement” last week.
Instead, Burnes stunned the front office and fans alike when he turned down the deal late Sunday evening, citing “fit, vision, and long-term alignment” as reasons for his decision.
“This wasn’t about money,” said one source close to Burnes. “Corbin wants to win championships, and while he has deep respect for Arizona’s organization, he didn’t feel it was the right environment for his goals.”
The Diamondbacks front office, led by GM Mike Hazen, expressed “disappointment but understanding,” acknowledging that player preferences often extend beyond financials.
“We believed in the vision we presented,” Hazen said during an impromptu press conference Monday morning. “We’re proud of the offer and the effort we put in. Corbin is an elite pitcher, and we wish him the best. That said, our focus remains on building a championship team—no one player defines that.”
Burnes, 30, had an outstanding 2024 campaign, posting a 3.12 ERA with 226 strikeouts over 193 innings. He is widely considered one of the most dominant right-handers in baseball, with a Cy Young Award under his belt and multiple All-Star appearances. His rejection has now ignited a frenzy across the league, with teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, and Mariners rumored to be in active pursuit.
As for the Diamondbacks, the decision leaves a glaring hole in their rotation plans. With Merrill Kelly dealing with a recent injury scare and young arms like Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson still developing, the team may be forced to pivot quickly in free agency or the trade market.
This unexpected development also raises questions about the club’s ability to attract elite free agents. While Arizona has taken clear strides in recent seasons—highlighted by its young core led by Corbin Carroll, Gabriel Moreno, and Zac Gallen—some players may remain skeptical of the franchise’s readiness to win now.
Fans are already reacting strongly online, with some praising Burnes for prioritizing winning and others criticizing the Diamondbacks for not “closing the deal.”
Where Burnes lands next remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this offseason just got a lot more dramatic.
Stay tuned.