The Los Angeles Dodgers signing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell came as little surprise. But what does it mean for free-agent ace Corbin Burnes? Almost every year, the Dodgers build a dominant starting rotation, only to rely on their bullpen to survive the postseason. Yet, they still managed to win the 2024 World Series. Los Angeles was linked to this year’s top free agent arms in Snell, Burnes, and Max Fried to help them repeat their success in 2025.
Now with Snell off the market, all eyes are on Burnes, the first-time free agent and former Cy Young winner. Acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in February, the now 30-year-old right-hander was everything the Baltimore Orioles needed him to be and more. Burnes made 32 starts for Baltimore, finishing the season with a 2.92 ERA, 1.096 WHIP, and 181 strikeouts. He made his fourth consecutive All-Star Game and finished fifth in AL Cy Young voting, his fifth consecutive top-ten finish. Already the most sought-after free agent pitcher available, and also a Scott Boras client like Snell, Burnes could be in for an even bigger payday.
.@jonmorosi says that the two teams that “stand above the others” for Corbin Burnes are the Orioles and Dodgers.
When will we see the 4x All-Star sign? pic.twitter.com/JNnmCcU4yv
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 18, 2024
What the Dodgers Signing Blake Snell Means for Orioles Ace Corbin Burnes
Rumors have been swirling for months about how much Burnes will sign for and who he will sign with. Insiders agree that he will be seeking at least a six-year contract, likely in the $175 million-$200 million range. That is slightly higher than the seven-year, $172 million extension that Aaron Nola signed last year entering his age-31 campaign. But it’s less than the five-year, $182 million deal Snell, who turns 32 in December, signed with Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Burnes was a perfect fit in Baltimore, but as a smaller market team, even under new ownership, retaining him will be a challenge for the Orioles. Between Snell and Yusei Kikuchi‘s three-year, $63 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels, Boras has secured over $200 million this offseason. At this month’s general managers’ meetings, Boras blamed concerns over television revenue for last year’s lackluster free agent market. With those concerns settled and starters in high demand, Snell’s big deal nearly guarantees the younger Burnes will get one too.
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