The Arizona Diamondbacks followed up their 2023 World Series appearance by missing the postseason in 2024 after finishing 89-73.
Although the Diamondbacks had a winning record, they failed to make the playoffs and made the postseason only once in the past seven seasons.
The Diamondbacks entered the offseason with a goal similar 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 believes it was the biggest surprise of the offseason.
“This is really the surprise of the offseason so far. We thought the Giants and Jay Corbin Burns were the frontrunners,” Heyman said on MLB Network’s “X.”
“This is really the surprise of the offseason so far. We thought the Giants and Jays were the frontrunners for Corbin Burns…” @JonHeyman: pic.twitter.com/3RnUrd5Igz
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 28, 2024
The Diamondbacks were able to sign top starter Burns to a six-year, $210 million contract.
Many MLB analysts reported that the San Francisco Giants were the frontrunner for Burns, especially since he grew up in the California area.
Heyman also notes that Burns was offered more money per year and more money overall by other teams, but he chose to sign with the Diamondbacks regardless.
Burns entered the league in 2018 with the Milwaukee Brewers and played with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024.
In 2024, Burns started 32 games and posted a 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA and 181 strikeouts in 194.1 innings.
The Diamondbacks get a steal with the addition of Burns, and they hope to make another World Series in 2025.
