San Francisco Sports Today

San Francisco Sports News Continuously Updated

Report: Giants Close to Moving Away from Corbin Burnes

by

The San Francisco Giants desperately need a star pitcher, but with Corbin Burnes now asking for over $245 million, should they look elsewhere?

SF Giants May Shift Away from Pursuing Corbin Burnes

Burnes stands out as the best pitcher remaining on the market, so it’s no surprise that plenty of teams are reportedly pursuing him. The Giants, widely regarded as the favorites, seemed like the most likely destination for Burnes. With franchise legend Buster Posey leading the charge and the team in dire need of a starting pitcher, many expected the California kid to pitch at Oracle Park next year. However, the market for starting pitchers has shattered expectations. The Yankees recently added two years and $62 million to Max Fried’s deal beyond MLBTR’s predictions, highlighting the soaring cost of elite arms. Now, rumors suggest that Corbin Burnes seeks $245 million–$45 million more than anticipated–likely for just one additional year.

This significant increase has seemingly forced the Giants to reconsider. Reports indicate they have made an offer to the 30-year-old but are growing impatient with his agent, Scott Boras. Instead of waiting, the Giants are exploring how to use their money more effectively. A $245 million contract would rank as the third-largest for a free-agent pitcher, trailing only Gerrit Cole and Yoshinobu Yamamoto while surpassing Stephen Strasburg. Committing such a substantial amount poses a challenge for a team openly aiming to break even. With their 2025 payroll at $167 million, ownership’s willingness to surpass $200 million again remains uncertain.

How Close Is the Deal to Being Off?

Although no official details have emerged, the Giants’ reported frustration suggests that both sides remain at an impasse. This standoff mirrors past instances where Scott Boras delayed deals to maximize his clients’ value. Last year, the Giants capitalized on similar situations by signing Blake Snell and Matt Chapman to essentially one-year contracts when markets failed to materialize for them. Both players secured significantly better deals this offseason thanks to those short-term agreements. A similar arrangement might suit Burnes. The Giants have likely offered him an eight-year, $220 million contract following the Fried deal. Unless the Toronto Blue Jays or another team steps up with $245 million, the decision rests on whether Burnes and Boras believe he’ll find a stronger market next year.

What Other Options are Available?

The Giants’ need for pitching remains urgent. If they walk away from Burnes, who else could fill the void? One exciting option is Jack Flaherty, who could also command a nine-figure deal. Flaherty offers genuine ace potential with his strikeout ability but has struggled with consistency and injuries. The Giants’ reputation for rehabilitating pitchers could make Flaherty an intriguing gamble, though they might prioritize durability and reliability—factors critical for making 25-30 starts.

If the Giants prioritize stability, they could pursue a dependable mid-rotation pitcher instead. Recent signings of Alex Cobb and Sean Manaea exemplify this strategy. For 2025, Andrew Heaney or Jose Quintana could be an option. Both would provide valuable innings and bring much-needed stability to a rotation full of question marks.

The Last Word

The Corbin Burnes saga appears far from over. With Scott Boras steering negotiations, fans shouldn’t be surprised if Burnes remains unsigned until just before spring training. The Giants face a crucial decision: should they take a risk by continuing their pursuit of Burnes, or should they shift focus and build short-term stability for 2025? Only time will tell which path they choose.

 

Photo Credit: © Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

The post Report: Giants Close to Moving Away from Corbin Burnes appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.