MLB Rumors: On Bleacher Report Live Jon Heyman recently went live and discussed impending free agent starting pitchers. Heyman specifically mentioned Corbin Burnes and Max Fried as he listed them as pitchers that he expects the New York Mets to be in play for this off-season. Here we take a look at the future state of the Mets starting rotation, Burnes and executive David Stearns relationship, and contract projections.
Which starting pitchers are the New York Mets losing this off-season?
Potential losses in the Mets starting rotation includes unrestricted free agents Luis Severino and Jose Quintana. Sean Manaea could also be on his way out as he has a $13.5 million player option for the 2025 season. These three players have been key members of New York’s starting rotation this year as Kodai Senga has struggled to stay healthy.
David Stearns has a relationship with Corbin Burnes from their time together as Milwaukee Brewers. How is that relationship now?
Corbin Burnes was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016. Stearns was an executive there at that time and both remained members of the organization until the 2023-2024 off-season in which Stearns accepted a job with the New York Mets and Burnes was traded to the Baltimore Orioles. Will Sammon at The Athletic recently reported that Burnes and Stearns have a good relationship.
MLB Rumors: How much money is Corbin Burnes projected to make as a free agent?
Entering free agency for the first time in his career Corbin Burnes also is the premier starting pitcher available. Spotrac estimates his market value at $30.4 million per year and projects a six year deal worth $182,688,720. When you take into account that he is a Scott Boras client that average annual value may increase closer to $35 million per year. Stephen Strasburg’s is one comparable pitcher to Burnes in regard to age hitting free agency and accomplishments in which back in the day Strasburg got seven years, $245 million.
