D-backs unique advantages lands another marquee free agent pitcher
The extra benefits afforded to a contending Diamondbacks club lands them the top pitcher in free agency.
When the Arizona Diamondbacks are a World Series contending club, they have some unique advantages when it comes to attracting free agents. The ability to live in the same home year-round, relatively good weather most of the year, and play in one of the most competitive divisions in Major League Baseball is enticing for any pitcher. For the second straight offseason, the D-backs flexed that advantage and landed one of the top pitchers in the open market in Corbin Burnes.
Arizona was never considered a prime free agent destination for the former Brewers and Orioles ace when he hit the open market. They weren’t necessarily aggressive suitors in the starting pitching market and were more inclined to shed Jordan Montgomery’s bloated salary. However, they did not miss when the stars aligned for them to land a difference-maker to their rotation.
The D-backs should been seen as an ideal free agent destination. They have two superstar talents in 2023 NL Rookie of the Year winner Corbin Carroll and 2023 NLCS MVP Ketel Marte as the faces of the franchise. They have a manager in Torey Lovullo who provides a firm yet loving touch, allowing the players to grow into the best versions of themselves while maintaining a high standard. They’re in the midst of their best run since the 1999-2002 seasons.
According to The Arizona Republic’s Nick Piecoro, it started when Burnes first approached the D-backs about signing. Owning a home in Scottsdale and the father of three very young kids, the ability to live year-round and raise a family was a big motivating factor. That’s why he turned down bigger offers from the Toronto Blue Jays, who offer seven years and $250 million, and the San Francisco Giants. The opt-out after the 2026 season also doesn’t hurt, as Burnes can re-enter the market after his Age 31 season.
Burnes situation mirrors Zack Greinke’s from nine years ago. Arizona wasn’t viewed as a serious suitor for the future Hall of Famer until the ink began to dry. Greinke ended up being a mostly successful signing, being named a three-time All-Star and keying a playoff berth in 2017. However, the key difference is Arizona was tied to the starting pitching market all offseason whereas the Burnes signing is more surprising as they were seen as trying to move out a starter instead.
It was also the same selling point that landed Eduardo Rodríguez on a four-year deal last year. Rodríguez previously took a leave of absence from the Detroit Tigers during the 2022 season to resolve a family issue and vetoed a trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers the following season to avoid uprooting his family. Like Burnes, he’ll have a chance to live year-round and be around his family when the team is home instead of being away for six months a year.
The D-backs won’t always have these perks, so it’s not something the team and especially its fan base should take for granted. But as they say, “With victor comes the spoils” and they are enjoying the spoils of their World Series run.
Further Reading
D-backs shock the world with Corbin Burnes signing
The Corbin Burnes sweepstakes are finally over and a surprise team has landed the ace pitcher. MLB Insider Jon Heyman, who is also very close to super agent Scott Boras, reports that the Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a six-year deal with Burnes
D-backs must leverage rotation surplus to strengthen lineup long-term
The Diamondbacks shocked the baseball world by landing Corbin Burnes on a six-year deal. With the addition of Burnes, Arizona seven starters to fill five rotation spots. Since none of those seven pitchers have any business being in the bullpen or Triple-A to stay stretched out, expect trades on the horizon.
Michael McDermott is a Contributor to FanSided’s MLB coverage for Call to the Pen, Venom Strikes, Friars on Base, and Dodgers Way. He has written about the Diamondbacks since the 2015 season and has covered more than 50 games on-site at Chase Field.