The Arizona Diamondbacks followed up their World Series appearance in 2023 by missing the postseason in 2024 after finishing with a record of 89-73.
Although the Diamondbacks had a winning record, they were unable to make the playoffs and have only made the postseason once in the last seven seasons.
The Diamondbacks headed into the offseason with a similar goal to every team in the league, and that is to add some talent for the 2025 season.
Not only did the Diamondbacks make a significant acquisition, but MLB Insider Jon Heyman thinks it was the biggest surprise of the offseason.
“This is really the surprise of the offseason so far. We’d been thinking all along the Giants and the Jays were the frontrunners for Corbin Burnes,” Heyman said via MLB Network on ‘X.’
“This is really the surprise of the offseason so far. We’d been thinking all along the Giants and the Jays were the frontrunners for Corbin Burnes…” – @JonHeyman pic.twitter.com/3RnUrd5Igz
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 28, 2024
The Diamondbacks were able to sign the top starting pitcher free agent Burnes to a six-year deal worth $210 million.
Many MLB analysts reported that the San Francisco Giants were the frontrunner for Burnes, especially since he grew up in the California area.
Heyman also mentions that Burnes was offered more money per year and more money overall by other teams, but he chose to sign with the Diamondbacks regardless.
Burnes came into the league in 2018 with the Milwaukee Brewers and played for the Baltimore Orioles in 2024.
In 2024, Burnes started 32 games and had a record of 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA and 181 strikeouts in 194.1 innings pitched.
The Diamondbacks get a steal with the addition of Burnes, and they hope to make another World Series run in 2025.
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