Baseball fans were sent into a frenzy recently when rumors began to circulate that Corbin Burnes, one of the league’s premier starting pitchers, had been traded to the Chicago Cubs. Social media lit up with headlines like “Baltimore Breaks the Internet” and speculation about a reunion between Burnes and his former manager Craig Counsell. But despite the buzz, the reports of a blockbuster deal sending Burnes to Wrigley Field were false.
Instead, Burnes stunned the baseball world by signing a massive six-year, $210 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks in December 2024. This move not only quashed the Cubs rumors but also positioned the Diamondbacks as serious contenders in the National League West for years to come.
Burnes, who was traded to the Baltimore Orioles from the Milwaukee Brewers prior to the 2024 season, was dominant throughout the year. He posted a 2.92 ERA and a 15–9 record, anchoring Baltimore’s rotation and helping them push deep into the postseason. His performance earned him high praise across the league, and with free agency looming, he became one of the most sought-after pitchers on the market.
The Cubs were long considered potential suitors for Burnes. Their need for a frontline starter and Counsell’s history with Burnes in Milwaukee made the connection seem plausible. Chicago fans envisioned a powerful one-two punch at the top of their rotation and viewed Burnes as a player who could tip the scales in a tight National League Central race.
However, financial reality quickly set in. While the Cubs expressed interest, the price tag—$35 million per year over six seasons—was a hurdle the organization ultimately chose not to clear. According to multiple reports, the team shifted focus toward more financially flexible pitching options and bolstering their lineup elsewhere.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks moved aggressively. After making the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, they viewed Burnes as the missing piece to a World Series-caliber rotation. Joining forces with young aces like Zac Gallen and Brandon Pfaadt, Burnes adds a veteran presence and postseason experience to a team on the rise.
Burnes’ decision also underscores the changing landscape of baseball’s power balance. The Diamondbacks, long viewed as underdogs in the NL West, are signaling that they’re ready to compete head-to-head with giants like the Dodgers and Padres. With Burnes now under contract through 2030, Arizona fans have every reason to believe that their window to win is wide open.
As for the Cubs, they remain active in the market and committed to building a competitive roster under Counsell’s leadership. While they missed out on Burnes, they have several other avenues to strengthen their rotation before Opening Day 2025.
For now, the Windy City will have to watch from afar as Corbin Burnes takes the mound in the desert. One thing is certain: the baseball world will be watching closely.