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Red Sox Interested In Corbin Burnes

By Mark Polishuk | November 24, 2024 at 10:15pm CDT

The Red Sox have already been linked to a wide range of big-name free agents this winter, including most of the top available pitchers.  It comes as no surprise that Corbin Burnes also appears to be on Boston’s radar, as Jon Heyman of the New York Post writes that the Sox are “in on” Burnes.

Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said earlier this month at the GM Meetings that the Red Sox “need to raise the ceiling of the rotation” by adding a front-of-the-rotation No. 1 starter type.  Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, and Brayan Bello project as the top three members of Boston’s current pitching staff, Lucas Giolito is expected to be back from an internal brace surgery relatively close to the start of the season, and the likes of Cooper Criswell, Richard Fitts, or Quinn Priester are the top candidates for the fifth’s starter role.

Adding a pitcher like Burnes naturally makes that group much stronger, as suddenly the Red Sox would have an ace to push everyone down one slot in the rotation, and the younger starters become key depth options if Giolito has any setbacks (or if any of the starters run into injury problems).  In theory, the Sox could even look to turn one of the younger starters into a trade chip, even if it’s probably likelier that Boston just retains all of its pitchers just for the sake of having as much depth as possible.

The Red Sox to have interest in Garrett Crochet’s market, so it is possible the Sox will address their rotation needs via trade rather than via free agency.  Boston’s relatively limited free agent spending in recent years has been well-documented, as Trevor Story’s six-year, $140MM contract is the only nine-figure free agent deal the Red Sox have finalized in the last six offseasons.  That said, the Sox have explored so many premium free agents this winter that it appears the team is again willing to shop on the top shelf of the market — four non-winning records in the last five seasons has undoubtedly spurred some extra aggressiveness.

Burnes is ranked behind only Juan Soto on MLBTR’s list of the top 50 free agents in this year’s class, and the right-hander is projected for a seven-year, $200MM pact.  Just a month removed from his 30th birthday, Burnes hits the open market on the heels of four straight All-Star appearances, and five straight top-eight finishes in the NL and AL Cy Young races.  Burnes took the Cy home in 2021 when he posted a Major League-leading 2.43 ERA in 167 innings with the Brewers.

That innings total was actually the lowest of Burnes’ last four seasons, as he has averaged 197 frames over the 2022-24 seasons.  Beyond the durability, Burnes has a 3.08 ERA, 26.4% strikeout rate, and seven percent walk rate over the last three seasons, as he remained productive in a new environment after the Brewers traded him to the Orioles last offseason.  Burnes’ 23.1% strikeout rate this season was only a tick above league average, but the rest of his Statcast metrics were impressive, and he added a 48.2% grounder rate to boot.

Because Burnes rejected the Orioles’ qualifying offer, any team that signs him would have to face some type of penalty.  In Boston’s case, they would have to surrender $500K in international signing pool money, as well as their second-highest pick in the 2025 draft.  This might be a relatively acceptable loss for the Red Sox, especially since they’d be getting a compensatory pick of their own just before the start of the third round if Nick Pivetta (their own qualified free agent) signed elsewhere.

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Boston Red Sox Corbin Burnes

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Free Agent Notes: Stratton, Martin, Hill, De Jesus
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54 Comments

  1. cookmeister 2

    7 months ago

    I am interested in Sydney Sweeney.

    Waiting to hear back for more details

    10
    Reply
    • letitbelowenstein

      7 months ago

      Pony up the cash, cook. Lots of it.

      1
      Reply
    • DirtyWater04

      7 months ago

      You too? Damn, she didn’t tell me she had other options! Maybe we aren’t going to align after all.

      2
      Reply
  2. FatChance65

    7 months ago

    They’re “interested” in everybody. Yawn.

    6
    Reply
    • stymeedone

      7 months ago

      Who had Corbin Burnes on their RED SOX bingo card?

      1
      Reply
      • Denden

        7 months ago

        Me but only if front office is serious in spending top dollar to get an ace then sorry we were interested, we tried but we were in third place

        Reply
  3. mad1

    7 months ago

    Would fit nicely with Sox. Not a big game pitcher and Sox never play big games

    4
    Reply
    • cwsOverhaul

      7 months ago

      Except for winning the most WS titles so far this century. Burnes at least stepped up with a great start this past playoff-Balt celebrated lineup let them down again.

      10
      Reply
    • RickEO

      7 months ago

      Hey dummest comment of the day. U win a bowl of yellow snow

      1
      Reply
  4. Olericat

    7 months ago

    red sux are interested in everyone, who cares?!¿

    1
    Reply
    • GaryWarriorsRedSoxx

      7 months ago

      MLBtraderumors cares because Red Sox articles seem to get a gazillion comments and clicks.

      But I get it because it seems for the past month there’s been a lot of articles about “Red Sox are interested in.”

      Getting a little tiresome for even the most rabid fan such as I. Heck this site even has articles on minor league guys we pick up lol. Who needs WEEI or the Globe when we have MLB trade rumors.

      But yes, it be great to see an article about Red Sox SIGNING some guy in the top 50. Maybe a few of them.

      1
      Reply
      • rememberthecoop

        7 months ago

        If all they did was report actual major league player signings, there would be way too few articles to substantiate advertising revenue.

        4
        Reply
      • Fever Pitch Guy

        7 months ago

        Gary – At this very moment Theo, Breslow and Cora are on a plane to have Thanksgiving dinner with the Soto family.

        2
        Reply
    • DirtyWater04

      7 months ago

      I mean, as tired as I am of all the “interest” that leads to nothing, it is kind of MLBTRs job to report on this type of stuff, so i don’t know why anyone is surprised that this was published.

      2
      Reply
      • stymeedone

        7 months ago

        Because they select certain teams for these article. Its seldom Cleveland, Cincinnati, Arizona, Colorado, Miami, Milwaukee, Seattle, Detroit, … But Boston and Toronto get plenty, as do both NY and LAD.

        Reply
        • DirtyWater04

          7 months ago

          “Certain” teams – proceeds to name four of the largest metro areas on the North American continent. Crazy how they get so much coverage!

          Yeah, I hate to be the one who had to break it to you, but any of those teams you listed – minus Detroit when Mike Illitch was willing to spend his entire fortune to win one before he died – proclaiming their interest in the top tier free agents is akin to Borat’s romantic interest in Pamela Anderson. It’s not newsworthy (or “rumor-worthy”) when the “interest” is coming from teams who aren’t even going to get a call back from the guy’s agent. The website is a business, it needs to generate traffic so they can generate ad revenue. Turns out a lot of people want to read about Soto potentially going to Boston or Philly or LA or staying in New York and maybe signing for half a billion dollars in the process. Nobody cares that Kansas City was willing to offer a third of that plus a Starbucks gift card and a lifetime discount at the team store.

          Reply
  5. Pedro Martinez’s Mango Tree

    7 months ago

    Same old story so far. The season of the Interest Kings is upon us once again!

    3
    Reply
    • redsoxu571

      7 months ago

      What are you talking about? Boston for a couple of offseasons before last year were pretty clearly not much in the market for notable FA signings. The “story” only began last offseason, and that’s just one offseason (one in which there frankly weren’t all that many guys who seemed like appealing adds for the prices they ended up requiring, and Boston rightly did not care to force ill-fitting additions at a time when they weren’t quite in a push position).

      If they don’t act this offseason, then people have every reason to speak as you just did. But you’re getting way ahead of things, not to mention that prior to this recent stretch of offseasons Boston made its full fair share of major offseason additions – it’s not as if there’s some longer-term history of what you claim.

      2
      Reply
      • Sagacity

        7 months ago

        Redsoxu571 – You are right. First Bloom blew up the roster by dumping Mookie and Price and there were no suggestions of off setting additions. In 2021, there were a few rumors but Bloom was still busy tearing things down and he had several all-stars up for renewals soon so again not that many suggested additions. Then, once he cleared the 2018 roster the out pour of rumors took off and haven’t stopped. It’s still since 2018 when JD Martinez was our last all-star acquisition and I don’t see that changing this off season. Too many profits being made without much resistance from fans thanks to the promise of a .500 season and young farm system talent. Without motivation, the owners are going to just keep raking it in.

        Reply
  6. BronxBombers23

    7 months ago

    I hope they give him a huge contract.

    2
    Reply
  7. ArianaGrandSlam

    7 months ago

    Can’t you just say you have no story today instead?

    2
    Reply
  8. sad tormented neglected mariners fan

    7 months ago

    Uhh my Richard doesn’t fitt right now I need help

    Reply
  9. Indianfan

    7 months ago

    First we get a story that the Red Sox are considering moving Rafael Devers to first base (wow). Now, less than a day later, another worthless Red Sox story that they’re interested in signing Corbin Burnes. So are at least a dozen other teams. Where’s their stories? If this is a Red Sox site, maybe you should rename it. Otherwise, quit with the Red Sox minutia mania.

    2
    Reply
    • Youkilyptus

      7 months ago

      The Sox are flashing their pocketbook and indicating what appears to be genuine interest in multiple free agents. Each one of those potential connections is a reportable story. It’s not MLBTR’s fault the Sox are active this offseason.

      3
      Reply
      • Fever Pitch Guy

        7 months ago

        Youk – That, and the fact any article about the Red Sox generates at least twice as many views and comments as most other teams.

        If you’re a baseball website owner and a team generates far more revenue for each article, you’re gonna write more articles about that team. It’s common sense, just good business.

        4
        Reply
      • Joemo

        7 months ago

        Similar stories were here last year about the Sox interest in Ohtani, Yamamoto and other free agents and we see how that panned out.

        Reply
      • Sagacity

        7 months ago

        Youk – Be real. No pocketbooks have been seen legitimate or otherwise. No genuine interest just rumors. Reportable stories of a potential connection with BOSTON are fabricated on the MLB RUMOR site.

        The Red Sox can only be considered active if something happens. That hasn’t occurred since the JD Martinez contract almost 7 years ago.

        Reply
    • GaryWarriorsRedSoxx

      7 months ago

      Indianfan, this is a great site because you can just scroll past the Articles you don’t want to read. Pretty cool right?

      But if I’m MLB trade rumors why would I stop posting Red Sox articles when I get a gazillion clicks and comments? They know a Golden Goose when they see one.

      5
      Reply
  10. Fever Pitch Guy

    7 months ago

    Indian – Sox sells.

    4
    Reply
  11. letitbelowenstein

    7 months ago

    Winter meeting headline: “Red Sox aren’t interested in anyone”.

    3
    Reply
  12. Sad.Sox 3

    7 months ago

    They also need a lefty SP. Oops, just wrote tomorrow’s headline.
    “Sox interested in Fried, Snell.”

    2
    Reply
    • Joemo

      7 months ago

      The Snell article exists on this site, and I think Fried too – although not positive on that one. I believe he was on vacation so there hasn’t been much news about him until after thanksgiving (IIRC)

      Reply
    • redsoxu571

      7 months ago

      I’ve never understood this notion that teams need LH SP. Why? Opposing lineups are going to be set for the handedness of the starter, and teams aim to be able to handle SPing of either handedness.

      The bullpen is a different story entirely, but when it comes to the regular season marathon I don’t see why SP handedness matters at all. And then, when it comes to a playoff series, if anything I could see a rotation of same-side pitchers as arguably more of an advantage than a mixed-arm rotation. Why? Because such a rotation would drive the opponent to use largely the same lineup every day, effectively burying its other-side-split hitters and leaving them less ready to step up if needed later in games. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that this is any sort of big deal (most likely, it doesn’t really matter at all) – I just don’t see why teams should feel any press to “balance” out the handedness of their SPs.

      2
      Reply
      • Sad.Sox 3

        7 months ago

        Could be a good question for Chris Sale or Tarik Skubal. LOL
        It isnt hard and fast science, but you are forcing the offensive team to react to your SP instead of the other way around. Also, players just see lefties less, its a change of pace. Ballpark dimensions…. There are reasons, and advantages to be gained.
        Analytics nowadays, teams will sit lefties (even their best lefties) against an average left handed SP.

        1
        Reply
      • Fever Pitch Guy

        7 months ago

        Redsox – It forces the opponent to either leave their right-handed batters in the game when the starter is gone and righthand relievers come in, or it forces the right-handed batters out of the game.

        Reply
  13. Ranger Danger19

    7 months ago

    Is it time yet for Heyman to start dropping mystery teams have entered the bidding?

    2
    Reply
  14. leftyontherightcoast

    7 months ago

    If only the Sox had a front of rotation arm like Chris Sale

    3
    Reply
    • GaryWarriorsRedSoxx

      7 months ago

      Most of us remember the four or five years Chris Sale was on the red sox.

      A pretty good season or 2 I think and the rest he was on the shelf for one reason or another. I for one couldn’t wait to get him out of town.

      It was fortunate that in return another team gave us a hot hitting Prospect ready for the majors, Plus paid half of Chris’ annual salary from that huge contract the Red Sox gave him a few years ago. Great deal at the time in my opinion.

      1
      Reply
      • Sagacity

        7 months ago

        Gary – You should have wanted Cora out of town not Sale. Ventura, Farrell and now ATL all have outstanding results for Sale just like Cora should have had if he didn’t tamper with the merchandise. It’s his right as manager to do so but it cost Boston four productive years of Sale.

        1
        Reply
      • Fever Pitch Guy

        7 months ago

        Gary – Grissom had a .659 OPS last year and performed poorly at multiple positions. You’re thinking of his 2022 season.

        Braves took on only $10.5M in salary, far less than half.

        1
        Reply
  15. BadCo

    7 months ago

    Time to stop the dance routine, we have seen it too many years. Get after it Breslow and stop dicking around!

    1
    Reply
    • all in the suit that you wear

      7 months ago

      The whole free agent market is likely waiting for Soto to sign. Things should start moving after that.

      Reply
  16. Thec’s

    7 months ago

    For what they will have to spend on Soto we could have Bregman, Fried and either Burnes or Snell go with the shorter deals!

    1
    Reply
  17. rememberthecoop

    7 months ago

    At least there aren’t any Cubs rumors of major player signings Iike there used to be. It used to appear as if they were in on every big player when in reality it was all a smokescreen to keep their fans thinking they were going to spend like the big market club they’re supposed to be.

    1
    Reply
  18. redsoxu571

    7 months ago

    To be clear, the Red Sox were “willing to shop on the top shelf of the market” last offseason too – there just wasn’t any top-shelf-of-the-market player who was both interested in Boston and Boston saw as worth the investment. Last offseason was dominated by guys getting decently overpaid while some clearly demanded deals beyond their markets, and the most worthwhile guys were in huge demand.

    There is a difference between very much wanting to add a big player at the required big price (and not having that line up) and not actually desiring making such a move. The only way to guarantee big spending for fans is to spend even if just for the sake of spending, and that is a both a foolish thing to do and something Boston has done in the past and been burned for (e.g. Sandoval, Lackey, etc).

    People should look up the full list of names most commonly suggested for Red Sox acquisition the last three offseasons – it’s loaded with guys who didn’t come close to a suitable return on investment.

    1
    Reply
    • Sad.Sox 3

      7 months ago

      Signing free agents is a tool. Farm development is a tool.
      Without a plan a front office is always on the back foot.
      I’m not advocating for any one particular guy, but these are top end talents. Maybe none of them pans out on a new team, but that doesnt mean because Pablo Sandoval didnt hit in Fenway you never sign another top end free agent. How’d the Manny signing work out?
      I tend to agree that big tickets end up failing more than succeeding, but when it works, it can be amazing, and more importantly, win championships

      Reply
      • Denden

        7 months ago

        Trading is a tool. Use all the tools.

        Reply
        • Sad.Sox 3

          7 months ago

          Agreed. I want the Sox to trade for Luis Castillo and the short 3yrs left on his contract

          Reply
  19. baseballguru

    7 months ago

    Spend the money! Soto then Burnes,& (Freid 1st or Snell 2nd), get 1 of (Adames, Bregman, arrenado) Ink or trade for Tanner Scott, Williams or Miller. Lastly trade for (Crochet or Luzardo), Lank Roki Sasaki… call it 4 rings in 10 years minimum

    1
    Reply
  20. 3 finger split

    7 months ago

    The better article would be “Who the Red Sox are NOT interested in”.

    1
    Reply
    • stymeedone

      7 months ago

      Mookie Betts?

      1
      Reply
  21. smkelly1970

    7 months ago

    and in a related story- the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.

    Reply
  22. Sagacity

    7 months ago

    I’m not sure which I’m more afraid of:
    1 – Boston spending money on bad players not worth their contracts
    2 – Missing out on all-stars so the owners can make more profits

    It seems like no move since before Dombrowski was fired has been a good move so should we be anticipating new moves knowing they are likely to set us back further? What an incredibly awkward state of affairs in Boston. The fans are damned if they do and damned if they don’t.

    Hey, at least the ticket prices are consistent in their growth!!

    Reply
  23. alan.kawadler@verizon.net 2

    7 months ago

    If this were the old days.Theo would be on a plane to soto’s house to have Thanksgiving with him.

    Reply

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