Juan Soto is ruling the off-season. We saw that happen with Shohei Ohtani last year, and this year, Soto is in his place, but who’s next? MLB took a poll, and the second name is Corbin Burnes. Burnes got eight votes and truly is set out to be one of the most coveted free agents this time around. There is a good reason behind it – Burnes is 30 and has posted an ERA of 2.11, 2.43, 2.94, 3.39, and 2.92 over the last five years.

Burnes is also a Cy Young winner and a four-time all-star. And it seems like this year, too, he might finish second in this year’s AL Cy Young voting. But the big question is: Will the Baltimore Orioles re-sign him? Jon Heyman doesn’t think they can, given Corbin Burnes’s off-season depends on Juan Soto. Well, this is because Spotrac projects that Burnes is set to sign a six-year, $180 million contract this off-season. Anything less than $35 million a year would be at most surprising.

Since that number is way high, teams might not be willing to shell out the amount in free agency till Soto’s deal is crossed off. According to Scott Boras, that’s going to take a while; and as for the Orioles retaining Corbin Burnes, Jon Heyman thinks that payroll is a bit too much for them. Heyman emphasized that while the Orioles have a new owner, “it’s probably a long shot” to be able to re-sign Burnes to the team.

“He is probably going to get $200 million,” Jon Heyman further added. This number does knock the Orioles off the race, highlighting that Burnes could go for more. Heyman also mentioned Corbin Burnes would probably go elsewhere, opting for either the Mets, the Red Sox, or a bigger market team than Baltimore. And given that a lot of bigger teams are looking out for Juan Soto, Burnes might end up with the one that didn’t get a deal with the former.

Are the Boston Red Sox after Corbin Burnes?

The Boston Red Sox, this time, are ready to make some changes and come out strong next season. But they have one missing piece—an ace pitcher. Their lineup is full of great starters and some great up-and-coming talent, but they need a leader. Hence, they cannot afford to pass on a top-tier pitcher, making Corbin Burnes the perfect match for their team.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post did mention that the Boston Red Sox have their eyes on Burnes. Heyman also noted in a Bleacher Report livestream that “he’s (Burnes) been very durable, very dependable, excellent starting pitcher.” Even though Corbin Burnes’ strikeout rate has fallen since he peaked in 2021, he still has a great 2.92 ERA over 194 innings this season.

While the price may turn out to be the major issue, the Boston Red Sox did, however, sign a similar contract with David Price in the past. So, they could be spending more this off-season. Do you think Burnes will join the Red Sox? Let us know in the comments below.