Part 3/6:

While Burns is undeniably a talented pitcher, concerns linger around his performance trajectory. Over the past few seasons, there has been a noticeable regression in his stats, which raises valid questions about the sustainability of his level of play.

In 2021, Burns had a stellar year, finishing as one of the most dominant pitchers in the league, winning the Cy Young Award and garnering significant MVP votes. Since then, however, his strikeout rate has consistently fallen:

• 2021: 35.6%

• 2022: 30.5%

• 2023: 25%

• Just last season: 23.1%

Though he has managed to pitch reliably over the years, the downward trend in his strikeout rate could pose concerns for the future, prompting speculation on how much longer Burns can maintain effectiveness without further decline.