The San Francisco Giants have made an offer to free agent starting pitcher Corbin Burnes, with reports indicating that Burnes is seeking a deal worth at least $245 million. Burnes, a California native who pitched collegiately in the Bay Area, is represented by agent Scott Boras, who has negotiated some of the largest contracts in baseball history. The Giants offer apparently did not meet Burnes’ financial expectations, which has led to a hold-up in negotiations.
Burnes had an impressive season in 2024, going 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA for the Baltimore Orioles. The 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner recently declined a qualifying offer, meaning any team that signs him will have to sacrifice a draft pick. The Giants may be growing impatient with the negotiation process and are considering other ways to improve their team via free agency. One potential option is Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, who has garnered interest from multiple teams after a strong performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Despite the Giants’ interest in Sasaki, Burnes could still be a priority for the team. It remains to be seen if the Giants are waiting to make a decision about Burnes until they have a clearer picture of their options with Sasaki. Burnes, at 30 years old, is hoping to secure a lucrative contract, potentially in the range of the seven-year, $245 million deal signed by Stephen Strasburg in 2019. However, the cautionary tale of Strasburg’s contract, which was marred by injuries and early retirement, may give teams pause when considering such massive deals.
As negotiations continue between Burnes and the Giants, the outcome remains uncertain. Burnes has proven himself to be a top-tier pitcher, and the Giants are in need of a front-line starter to replace Blake Snell. The dynamics of free agency and player contracts in baseball can be complex and involve a variety of factors, including player performance, agent negotiations, and team needs. Burnes’ future with the Giants may hinge on how both parties navigate these complexities in the coming days.
