Corbin Burnes Rumors: How Close Red Sox Rivals Were To Signing Ace

A pair of Boston Red Sox rivals reportedly worked hard to sign Corbin Burnes.

However, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the 2021 National League Cy Young winner agreed to a six-year, $210 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The National League West side was a surprise choice since it was believed the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays were the favorites to sign the right-hander.

San Francisco and Toronto reportedly weren’t beaten financially, though. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Giants and Blue Jays offered more money than the Diamondbacks. But the Scottsdale, Ariz. resident favored the tax differences in the Copper State.

It was surprising the Baltimore Orioles weren’t a top player to retain Burnes. Nightengale reported the O’s were aggressive in trying to sign the 30-year-old. However, the ability to stay close to home during spring training and the regular season was more appealing than a deal that offered more financially.

It was a tough blow for the teams that were in the running for Burnes, and they’ll have to move on to the other pitchers in the market as a backup plan.