The Toronto Blue Jays aim to shake up the free-agent market this winter by capturing some of the league’s most coveted assets.
New York Yankees superstar Juan Soto is at the top of the Blue Jays’ wish list for this offseason, but he’s not the only prized target Toronto is hunting.
Recent reports indicate Toronto is moving to acquire the market’s most coveted starting pitcher. Could a deal be in the works?
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“The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly had an in-person meeting with free agent Corbin Burnes, per @jonmorosi,” MLB Network reported Thursday morning.
Burnes has logged a 60-36 record with a 3.19 ERA, 4.1-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .212 batting average against and a 1.06 WHIP throughout his seven-year career, during which he played for the Milwaukee Brewers and Baltimore Orioles.
After winning the National League Cy Young award in 2021 with Milwaukee, Burnes’ market value rose to levels the small-market Brewers couldn’t afford, resulting in him being traded to the Orioles.
The 30-year-old ace has a projected market value of roughly $200 million over a seven-year deal, translating to nearly $29 million annually, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
It’s safe to say the four-time All-Star has been one of the league’s most reliable starters since switching from the bullpen to the rotation in 2020.
With the Blue Jays hoping to regain competitiveness in the American League East, signing Burnes should help them climb out of last place after finishing at the bottom of their division with a disappointing 74-88 record this season.
More MLB: Phillies Predicted To Bolster Pitching Staff With Three-Time Cy Young Winner – Newsweek
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