Yankees primed to land 2021 Cy Young winner, predicts MLB analyst

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The New York Yankees appear eager to reinforce their pitching rotation, with recent reports linking them to Corbin Burnes, one of the offseason’s most coveted free-agent arms.

Following Gerrit Cole’s recent contract extension, USA Today baseball analyst Jesse Yomtov projects that the Yankees could land Burnes, currently a free agent after his last season with the Baltimore Orioles. Yomtov suggests that bolstering the Yankees’ rotation with another reliable ace is essential, especially with Cole now locked in long-term. He also notes that Burnes’ departure from Baltimore could shake up the AL East and impact the Orioles under their new ownership.

“After Gerrit Cole’s bizarre opt-out saga, the Yankees really should add another sure thing to the rotation,” he explained. “The former Cy Young winner is the safest bet of the aces on the market this winter and stealing him from the Orioles would further move the needle in the always-competitive AL East, putting Baltimore’s new ownership on the back foot.”

Burnes ranks as the top free-agent pitcher and second overall according to MLBTradeRumors. If added to New York’s roster, he would join Cole in forming a powerful one-two punch at the top of the Yankees’ rotation.

The right-hander’s resume speaks for itself: four All-Star nods and the 2021 NL Cy Young Award. His 2024 season with Baltimore underscored his skill, with a 15-9 record and a 2.92 ERA across 32 starts, covering 194.1 innings. Across his career, Burnes has posted a 3.19 ERA with a 60-36 record, a testament to his durability and effectiveness in nearly 200 appearances, including 138 starts.

Yankees need a substantial offer to get Burnes

As the premier starting pitcher on this year’s free-agent market, Corbin Burnes is poised to secure a substantial payday. Analysts at MLBTradeRumors estimate that the former Cy Young Award winner could sign a seven-year deal worth approximately $200 million.

MLBTradeRumors outlines Burnes’ continued value despite shifts in some of his metrics, highlighting his durability, power pitching, sharp control, and strong command in managing contact and inducing swings and misses. Though they anticipate Burnes will decline a qualifying offer, analysts suggest that a dip in his strikeout and swing-and-miss rates may keep his contract under $250 million.

The publication notes that, while a $200 million contract would mark a significant milestone reached by only eight pitchers in MLB history, it aligns with Burnes’ role as an elite rotation leader. Alongside his former team, the Orioles, MLBTradeRumors identifies other likely suitors, including the Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Padres, Tigers, and the Mets, whose president of baseball operations, David Stearns, previously worked with Burnes in Milwaukee.

Burnes’ established success as a rotation anchor makes him a highly attractive option in free agency, where his market is expected to draw interest from several top MLB franchises.

Meanwhile, the Yankees have moved quickly to reach a swift agreement to uphold the original terms: a four-year deal worth $144 million after Gerrit Cole exercised his opt-out clause.

At the GM Meetings, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman discussed it, explaining their decision not to extend to a fifth year. Cashman emphasized the mutual desire to keep Cole in New York, noting both sides’ commitment to preserving their partnership. He added that time pressures influenced the talks, leading them to prioritize finalizing Cole’s immediate contract while remaining open to future discussions.

Cole’s return follows a steady season in the Bronx, where he recorded an 8-5 record with a 3.41 ERA, underscoring his role as a key presence in the Yankees’ rotation.

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