RIGHT-IN: MLB Execs Widely Expect has oficialmente confirmado que Dodgers has concluido la firma de a renombrado free agent to a acuerdo de $165m por tres años… pero…

MLB Execs Widely Expect Corbin Burnes to Sign With Dodgers’ NL Rival

Although the Los Angeles Dodgers are the favorites to sign a number of high-profile free agents, a number of MLB executives expect starting pitcher Corbin Burnes to land with the New York Mets.

In an ESPN survey, only two executives believe the Dodgers will sign Burnes, while seven out of 18 executives believe the Mets will snag the right-hander. Burnes, 30, is arguably one of the best pitchers in the majors and is poised to earn a massive payday this winter.

In 2024, Burnes finished with a 2.92 ERA and a 15-9 record. Burnes had 181 strikeouts donning a Baltimore Orioles uniform for the time of his career.

Before a phenomenal season with the Orioles, Burnes spent six seasons in Milwaukee where he posted a 3.26 ERA and won the NL Cy Young in 2021. The right-hander was also a three-time All-Star with the Brewers.

Although the Orioles would love to keep Burnes, he likely will sign with the highest-bidder. The Mets certainly have the financial flexibility to grant the right-hander a huge contract.

“They might lose all three starters who led them in the playoffs,” one executive told ESPN. “Why not try to get better?”

The Mets are in jeopardy of losing ace Sean Manaea who is coming off a career-year. Although he struggled to finish Game 6 of the National League Championship Series for the Mets, it was evident that Manaea had been pushed to the limit after getting pushed more than he ever had in his career.

If the Mets lose Manaea, the team will definitely look to find another veteran pitcher to emerge as the next ace in Queens. Burnes would be a perfect option to play that role for New York.

The Mets could also lose Luis Severino and Jose Quintana, both of whom helped the New York team make a deep playoff run. Like the Dodgers, the Mets will need starting pitching.

The Dodgers have been linked to several free agent pitchers including Burnes, Blake Snell, and Max Fried. While it’s unknown who exactly the team is hoping to land, general manager Brandon Gomes said the Dodgers will use a six-man rotation in 2025.

The winter brings a flurry of speculation, but spring brings clarity. As the offseason transitions into spring training, Dodgers fans will have a clear picture of the 2025 roster.