The Toronto Blue Jays have remained relatively quiet in free agency this offseason, but that could change if they pursue one of MLB’s top pitchers.
Blue Jays Could Soar with Corbin Burnes Signing
Former Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes is still on the market, offering a potential game-changing addition for any team. Toronto’s rotation already boasts three pitchers—Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman, and Charlie Bassitt—who each posted over 150 strikeouts and sub-4.50 ERAs last season. However, after trading 2021 All-Star Yusei Kikuchi to the Houston Astros, the Blue Jays have room to add another key piece to their rotation.
Enter Burnes. The California native posted an impressive 2.92 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 2024, striking out 181 batters across 32 games with a 15-9 record. As the 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner, Burnes is widely regarded as one of the best strikeout artists and most efficient pitchers in baseball.
Blue Jays Have Financial Flexibility to Secure Burnes
Burnes could easily slot in as the ace of Toronto’s rotation for the 2025 season and beyond. The Blue Jays have $136.89 million already committed to next year’s payroll, with projections suggesting a $193.09 million total, which likely won’t exceed $200 million even with a potential contract extension for superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. This financial flexibility makes a lucrative six or seven-year, $250 million deal for Burnes feasible, considering his elite skills, his age (30), and his demonstrated impact, as evidenced by his 3.1 WAR in 2024.
