The Milwaukee Brewers are not big spenders in free agency. While the do give out long-term contracts, it is a very rare occurrence. Ryan Braun, Christian Yelich, and Jackson Chourio all received massive contract extensions from the Brewers, but they generally they trade away their big name stars before they hit free agency because they cannot (or will not) spend the money necessary to keep them.
Such was the case in 2022 when Milwaukee traded All-Star closer Josh Hader to the San Diego Padres at the MLB trade deadline for Robert Gasser, Dinelson Lamet, Taylor Rogers, and Esteury Ruiz. Of course, the Brewers flipped Ruiz for All-Star catcher William Contreras, who has gone on to win two Silver Slugger Awards in Milwaukee.
It was also the case during the 2023-24 offseason when the Brewers traded Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles for DL Hall and Joey Ortiz. Now, Ortiz is projected to be the team’s starting shortstop following the departure of Willy Adames in free agency, and Hall could slot into the starting rotation or bullpen.
Former Milwaukee Brewers Pitcher Corbin Burnes Could Sign with the Toronto Blue Jays
Burnes, the 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner, had an excellent season for the Orioles last year. He went 15-9 with a 2.94 ERA and 1.10 WHIP while making 32 starts.
Now the top pitching name on the free agent market, Burnes has no shortage of teams that are interested in signing him. Joel Rueter of Bleacher Report lists the Toronto Blue Jays as one potential suitor as they attempt to convince their superstar first baseman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., to stay with their club:
“One way to convince Guerrero to stay might be to sign another star to a long-term contract, and Burnes would fit that bill. He could headline Toronto’s rotation, which also includes Kevin Gausman, Bowden Francis, José Berríos and Chris Bassitt. That would be a very loaded rotation, perhaps so deep that the Blue Jays could move either Gausman or Bassitt for another piece(s) to help their roster in 2025.
“The Blue Jays got to watch Burnes in their division for a season, and signing him would not only help them to improve their roster in 2025 but also weaken one of the teams they are chasing in the AL East.”
Guerrero recently turned down a contract extension that was reportedly worth $340 million. Presumably, he is looking for a deal somewhere close to that which Juan Soto got from the New York Mets (15 years and $765 million).
The Blue Jays missed the postseason this past year and have not advanced past the Wild Card round since 2016. Guerrero wants to be paid, but he also wants to play for a winning team. Signing Burnes would help Toronto prove to him that they are series about contending in the competitive AL East.
More Milwaukee Brewers News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- “Very Hard to Pass Up This Opportunity;” Former Brewers Pitcher Ecstatic to Return Home for the 2025 Season
- Former Milwaukee Brewers Catcher Involved in Legendary 2021 Exchange Returns to the NL West
- Joe Ross Signs with NL East Contender After 2024 Bounce Back Year with the Milwaukee Brewers
- Milwaukee Brewers Incredibly Disrespectful Over/Under 2025 Win Total Is a No-Brainer for Bettors
- Milwaukee Brewers Manager Pat Murphy Shares Huge Praise for 1 Recently Acquired Infielder
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
1 Comment
No real news until 3B is filled…
Not the only need, but definitely the key position..