This offseason in Major League Baseball (MLB) has taken many by surprise, particularly when compared to the previous year. Unlike the last offseason, where teams showed reluctance to offer substantial contracts—especially to pitchers aged 30 and above—this year has witnessed a striking change in attitudes.
Teams are diving into the deep end of the financial pool, ready to splash out on significant contracts, including several hefty deals for pitchers over thirty. This raises the question: have teams truly moved on from the reputed risk associated with long-term contracts for older pitchers?
As it stands, three of the largest pitching contracts awarded this offseason belong to pitchers over the age of 30—specifically, Blake Snell, Max Fried, and Corbin Burns. These contracts are particularly noteworthy as they rank among the six biggest pitching contracts in MLB history.
Blake Snell signed a surprising contract with the Dodgers for $182 million.
Max Fried followed with an impressive $218 million deal from the Yankees.
Corbin Burns recently shocked the baseball world by signing a $210 million contract, joining the ranks of massive deals for pitchers.
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.
Equally surprising as the size of Burns’s contract was his decision to sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks, a choice that caught many off guard as there were virtually no serious rumors linking him to Arizona prior to the signing. Despite multiple teams reportedly making more lucrative offers, Burns chose Arizona for various reasons.
One significant factor was tax implications. Although some offers would appear larger on the surface, high taxes in cities like Baltimore and Toronto ultimately made those offers less attractive. Additionally, living near Phoenix provides personal benefits for Burns, as it allows him to be closer to family.
This signing is more than just a transactional move—it’s a strategic play for the Diamondbacks, increasing their competitiveness in the fiercely contested NL West division.
With teams like the Dodgers fresh off a championship season and the Padres winning 93 games with a strong playoff appearance, the division is exceptionally competitive. The Giants have also been active, signing notable players such as Willy Adames and extending contracts for Matt Chapman.
Arizona's addition of Burns complements an already impressive offense, which led the league in runs scored and RBIs last season. Despite missing the playoffs, the Diamondbacks have shown improvement, winning six more games than their previous World Series appearance.
The offseason shakeup has added a complex layer to MLB's competitive landscape, with teams forgoing previous caution regarding hefty contracts for older pitchers. As the Diamondbacks make bold moves to compete in the NL West, the whole baseball community is left to ponder the implications of these substantial contracts. Will they pay off, or will the rising age of these pitchers lead to unforeseen challenges?
With this unexpected turn of events, the offseason has left fans and analysts debating the merits of such deals, particularly in light of players like Corbin Burns. As teams gear up for the oncoming season, one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher.
Part 1/6:
An Unexpected Offseason Shift in MLB Contracts
This offseason in Major League Baseball (MLB) has taken many by surprise, particularly when compared to the previous year. Unlike the last offseason, where teams showed reluctance to offer substantial contracts—especially to pitchers aged 30 and above—this year has witnessed a striking change in attitudes.
Teams are diving into the deep end of the financial pool, ready to splash out on significant contracts, including several hefty deals for pitchers over thirty. This raises the question: have teams truly moved on from the reputed risk associated with long-term contracts for older pitchers?
A Look at Major Pitching Contracts
Part 2/6:
As it stands, three of the largest pitching contracts awarded this offseason belong to pitchers over the age of 30—specifically, Blake Snell, Max Fried, and Corbin Burns. These contracts are particularly noteworthy as they rank among the six biggest pitching contracts in MLB history.
Blake Snell signed a surprising contract with the Dodgers for $182 million.
Max Fried followed with an impressive $218 million deal from the Yankees.
Corbin Burns recently shocked the baseball world by signing a $210 million contract, joining the ranks of massive deals for pitchers.
The Concerns Surrounding Corbin Burns
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.
Part 4/6:
The Surprising Choice of Team
Equally surprising as the size of Burns’s contract was his decision to sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks, a choice that caught many off guard as there were virtually no serious rumors linking him to Arizona prior to the signing. Despite multiple teams reportedly making more lucrative offers, Burns chose Arizona for various reasons.
One significant factor was tax implications. Although some offers would appear larger on the surface, high taxes in cities like Baltimore and Toronto ultimately made those offers less attractive. Additionally, living near Phoenix provides personal benefits for Burns, as it allows him to be closer to family.
Competitive Landscape in the NL West
Part 5/6:
This signing is more than just a transactional move—it’s a strategic play for the Diamondbacks, increasing their competitiveness in the fiercely contested NL West division.
With teams like the Dodgers fresh off a championship season and the Padres winning 93 games with a strong playoff appearance, the division is exceptionally competitive. The Giants have also been active, signing notable players such as Willy Adames and extending contracts for Matt Chapman.
Arizona's addition of Burns complements an already impressive offense, which led the league in runs scored and RBIs last season. Despite missing the playoffs, the Diamondbacks have shown improvement, winning six more games than their previous World Series appearance.
Conclusion
Part 6/6:
The offseason shakeup has added a complex layer to MLB's competitive landscape, with teams forgoing previous caution regarding hefty contracts for older pitchers. As the Diamondbacks make bold moves to compete in the NL West, the whole baseball community is left to ponder the implications of these substantial contracts. Will they pay off, or will the rising age of these pitchers lead to unforeseen challenges?
With this unexpected turn of events, the offseason has left fans and analysts debating the merits of such deals, particularly in light of players like Corbin Burns. As teams gear up for the oncoming season, one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher.