The San Francisco Giants may be gearing up for their biggest offseason splash yet. After securing star shortstop Willy Adames on a seven-year, $182 million deal, the team is now being linked to former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes. The $200 million ace could be the missing piece to bolster their rotation and counteract the Los Angeles Dodgers’ recent acquisition of Blake Snell.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer has labeled the Giants as the “best fit” for Burnes, citing Oracle Park’s pitcher-friendly dimensions as a key factor. Known for suppressing home runs, the ballpark could provide Burnes with the advantage he needs as his strikeout rate declines. Since leading the league in strikeouts in 2021, Burnes’ strikeout rate has dropped from the 97th percentile to the 51st, making him more reliant on other aspects of his game.
“This is not to imply that Burnes is now a bad pitcher, but rather that he needs more advantages than he used to,” Rymer wrote. “And to this end, the Giants can offer him a good defense with a familiar face in addition to a huge home yard.”
That familiar face is Willy Adames, Burnes’ former teammate from their days with the Milwaukee Brewers. Reuniting with Adames in San Francisco could provide an added layer of comfort for Burnes as he looks for a new home.
Burnes, 29, remains one of the most reliable arms in baseball. In 2024, he posted a 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA over 32 starts, logging 194 1/3 innings. While his strikeout totals dipped to 181, he still delivered a 3.4 WAR, proving he can pitch effectively even as his style evolves.
For the Giants, Burnes would be the perfect complement to Logan Webb atop their rotation. After losing out on Blake Snell to the rival Dodgers, signing Burnes would be a powerful counterpunch in the battle for NL West supremacy.
The Giants have been active this offseason, and adding Burnes would signal their intent to compete with the heavyweights in the division. While his price tag is expected to reach $200 million, San Francisco’s recent spending shows they’re not afraid to invest in top-tier talent.
As the free agency market continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Burnes and the Giants. If the deal comes together, it could redefine the balance of power in the National League West and give San Francisco the ace they need to make a deep postseason run.