The New York Yankees could land Corbin Burnes last offseason. But eventually, the starting pitcher signed with the Baltimore Orioles, the AL East division rivals of the Bronx Bombers. Last offseason, the NY side tried their best to bring in top pitchers like Blake Snell, Burnes, and others. But Brian Cashman and co failed to land a suitable partner in crime for Gerrit Cole. Anyway, the front office signed a New York native, Marcus Stroman. However, throughout this season, the 27-time World Series winners have been struggling with their shaky pitching lineup.
But they have managed to help the Yankees win enough games so that they can stay in contention for the playoffs this year, unlike in 2023. Aaron Boone’s side has a lot of baseball left still to play this year. However, it will be interesting to see the starting pitchers available in the next free agency whom the Yankees can sign. Lately, there has been a rumor that the Pinstripes can sign a Cy Young candidate next free agency.
Are Yankees Targeting Corbin Burnes Again?
Clearly, Juan Soto will be the most sought after free agent next offseason. There is a lot of pressure on the Yankees to make sure that the Dominican superstar stays right where he is this year. Some rumors suggest that the lefty superstar slugger can sign a 14-year deal worth $560 million. That would make Soto’s present-day value even more than Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million contract. Anyway, other than Soto, there will be other elite talents available at the next free agency. This year’s ace hurler of the Baltimore Orioles is another big name that will enter the open market. Last January, Corbin Burnes signed a one-year deal worth $15.6 million with the Milwaukee Brewers. Then, the Brewers traded Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles within a month. This year, the 2021 National League Cy Young winner has been superb for the O’s. He amassed a 13-7 record, 154 strikeouts, and a 3.19 ERA over 169.1 innings of pitches.
Anyway, Burnes will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2024 season. On September 4, Zachary Rymer of the Bleacher Report mentioned that among the top ten most likely landing spots for Burnes is the NY Yankees. As per Rymer, it is true that the Yankees did not want to part ways with their top prospect Spencer Jones, trading him to the Brewers. However, the Bleacher Report writer mentioned that the Yankees were clearly in on the four-time All-Star last winter. Adding to that, he mentioned that the NY side can circle back to Burnes this year. Then, Rymer suggests Gerrit Cole can reach free agency as well.
If Gerrit Cole Becomes Free Agent, The Bronx Bombers Will Need The Four-Time All-Star
Since Zachary Rymer puts it as “Circumstances” that can lead Gerrit Cole to free agency, the Yankees are the 10th most likely spot where Burnes will eventually land. What if both Cole and the Bombers decline their respective options next offseason. Albeit, it is highly unlikely to happen. Hal Steinbrenner and co will have trouble allocating money for Aaron Judge, Corbin Burnes, Juan Soto, and Gerrit Cole all in the same roster.
Despite they signed a massive contract with Aaron Judge in the previous offseason, Corbin Burnes will be a pretty good addition. But they would like to fill out a pretty good roster outside the given four superstars. However, if the Yankees ace at present signs somewhere else next free agency, they will go all-in to secure the current O’s ace.
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