PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks have officially sealed a significant deal with four-time All-Star pitcher Corbin Burnes, signing him to a lucrative six-year contract worth $210 million. This announcement came late Monday, just two days after reports circulated that the star pitcher, recognized as the 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner, had approved the agreement, contingent upon passing a thorough physical examination. The contract also features the option for Burnes to opt-out after the 2026 season.

With this addition, Burnes will bolster a starting rotation that already includes notable pitchers such as Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Brandon Pfaadt, and Eduardo Rodríguez, which has the potential to be one of the most formidable in Major League Baseball. Notably, Burnes’ contract sets a record for the largest deal in the franchise’s history.

The 30-year-old righty was viewed as one of the most desirable free agent pitchers available after finishing last season with a strong record of 15-9 and an impressive 2.92 ERA while playing for the Baltimore Orioles. Burnes earned a salary of $15,637,500 last year after being traded to the Orioles in February, following six successful seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers.

While it was anticipated that Burnes would secure a substantial contract, his choice of destination was unexpected. Historically, Arizona’s payroll tends to sit in the middle range compared to other teams in the league.

The Diamondbacks are clearly increasing their investment to position themselves as serious competitors against the reigning World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the competitive NL West division. After narrowly missing the playoffs earlier in the year, the Diamondbacks made an impressive run to the World Series in 2023, where they ultimately fell to the Texas Rangers in five games.