The San Francisco Giants have made an offer to free agent pitcher Corbin Burnes, who has been linked to the team for several months as a potential match due to his California roots and collegiate experience in the Bay Area. However, Burnes is reportedly seeking a deal worth at least $245 million, which is the third-highest guaranteed contract in history for a starting pitcher. The hold-up in negotiations could be attributed to Burnes’ agent, Scott Boras, who has a track record of securing large contracts for his clients, including the largest ever for a position player in Juan Soto. The Giants’ offer to Burnes may not have met his financial expectations, leading to uncertainty in the negotiations.
Burnes, who is coming off a successful season with the Baltimore Orioles where he went 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA, declined a qualifying offer in November. This means any team other than Baltimore that signs him will have to sacrifice a draft pick to acquire his services. The comparison to Stephen Strasburg, another Boras client who signed a lucrative deal but struggled with injuries, serves as a cautionary tale for teams considering signing Burnes to a long-term contract. With the Giants potentially growing impatient with the negotiations, they are exploring other options to improve their pitching staff through free agency.
One alternative the Giants are considering is Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, who has impressed with his performance in both the Nippon Professional Baseball league and the World Baseball Classic. Sasaki is limited to a minor league contract and a signing bonus within a team’s amateur bonus pool money in his first season in the United States. He is considered ready to step into a major league rotation and has reportedly met with multiple teams, including the Giants. However, Sasaki will not finalize his contract until the international amateur signing period begins on January 15, adding uncertainty to the situation.
It’s unclear how long Strasburg has been sitting on the Giants’ offer, but reports suggest that the team may be exploring other options if the negotiations with Burnes continue to stall. As the offseason progresses, Burnes may have to wait to see if the Giants are willing to increase their offer or if they choose to pursue other pitching options. The deadline for Sasaki to sign with a team is approaching, which could impact the Giants’ decision-making process regarding Burnes. Ultimately, Burnes will soon know whether he will be joining the Giants or looking for another team to sign with.
The Giants’ pursuit of Burnes and their consideration of alternative pitching options highlight the competitive nature of the free-agent market in Major League Baseball. As teams look for ways to improve their rosters and compete for a championship, negotiations with top players like Burnes can be complex and prolonged. The outcome of the Giants’ pursuit of Burnes and the potential signing of Sasaki will have a significant impact on the team’s pitching staff and their overall competitiveness in the upcoming season. Fans and industry observers will be eagerly awaiting updates on these developments as the offseason progresses.
