The New York Yankees have come a long way since their failure last season. They could not make the postseason for the first time since 2016. Moreover, they finished with a terrible 82-80 record. They could barely maintain the streak of winning seasons. But 2023 was the worst season for the Bronx Bombers in the last 30 years. They had the second-worst batting average in the league. Only the nine-time champions, the Oakland Athletics, had it even worse than the 27-time champions. Since the offseason started, the NY side made sure they addressed each of their concerns ahead of the new season. And that’s what they did.
The Yankees signed Juan Soto and Trent Grisham from the San Diego Padres with a blockbuster trade. Prior to that, the Boston Red Sox came in to help their arch-rivals as they traded Alex Verdugo to New York. That way, the NY side reinforced their offense and outfield. However, the starting pitchers look good but shaky. Last year, Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes sustained severe injuries as, it ruined their season. Hence, Brian Cashman might look to do a few things next winter, including the signing of Corbin Burnes from the Baltimore Orioles.
Corbin Burnes Might Look For A $260 Million Deal
As per Yanks Go Yard of FanSided, Corbin Burnes can be a perfect free agent choice for the New York Yankees next winter. Several players work hard to get a good amount of cash from free agency. Burnes is a three-time All-Star. He won the Cy Young Award in 2021. Back then, he was part of the National League. The 2021 NL Cy Young winner is not too excited about becoming a free agent. But he said he would do it one last time. Perhaps he is looking for a long-term deal that will see him through to the end of his playing career. On March 5, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported an interview with Burnes.
The pitcher mentioned he heard from a lot of guys that the free agency process is not so much fun. Hence, he wants to do it once and get the security everybody is looking for. On March 4, The Athletic’s Tim Britton projects the current value of Corbin Burnes is an eight-year deal worth $260 million. Apparently, Scott Boras’ clients look for long-term stability rather than maximizing their annual average value (AAV). Then, as per Yanks Go Yard, the Yankees have a better chance to land Burnes. It is because they like to spread their money over the long term to reduce the potential luxury tax hit.
Yankees Can Solve Two Issues If They Land Burnes Next Winter
The Baltimore Orioles might still be the strongest team in the American League East division. Burnes make their pitching department look even stronger. If the Orioles don’t extend Burnes’ contract next winter, Brian Cashman can jump on the opportunity to sign the 2021 NL Cy Young winner. That way, the pitching department of the Yankees might not be as shaky as it looks now.
Then, the NY side can dominate the AL East with ease. On the other hand, if Burnes joined the Pinstripes, it would fortify the lineup for the remaining time of the decade. If Carlos Rodon bounces back this season and Gerrit Cole stays with the Yanks, then the starting pitchers of New York will rank the best in the league.
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