Just a couple of days after Christmas last year, the Arizona Diamondbacks made a big free agency splash by signing right-handed pitcher Corbin Burnes to a six-year, $210 million contract on Dec. 27, 2024.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Weeks have gone by and the array of talent the D-backs have on the roster is starting to shape together for the upcoming season. Arizona signed Burnes and acquired Cleveland Guardians All-Star Josh Naylor through a trade after losing longtime first baseman Christian Walker to the Houston Astros.
With a foundation already set from making the World Series two seasons ago to just missing out on the playoffs even though they achieved 89 wins, Diamondback fans are starting to see the big picture that they can achieve big things in 2025.
Wanting to send a message to the fans on what the acquisition of Burnes means to the franchise going forward, Diamondbacks principal owner and managing general partner Ken Kendrick made it clear that the team is looking to win and looking to win now.
“I hope it sends a message that we are in it to win it,” Kendrick said during Burnes’ introductory press conference on Wednesday. “I think when you bring in a talent like Corbin to the table, I think it underscores that desire from our leadership. We are in a very competitive division, but I think our fans need to understand that we are very committed to being successful.
“We’ve had some recent success, and I think we have the potential of being a championship team. I think every fan in every city – this one in particular – covets that possibility, wishes for that, hopes for that. I think our job is to do everything we can to put the best team on the field that is possible that we can afford.”
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) January 15, 2025
Showcasing that the team is doing everything it can to be a World Series contender once again, the Diamondbacks’ payroll will grow even more than it already had jumped up to last season. On Opening Day last year, the D-backs payroll exceeded $140 million and will now add Burnes’ lucrative contract.
Indicating that a move for Burnes was not considered until the player indicated an interest in playing for Arizona, Kendrick and the team made a deal work that both sides are glad it finalized.
“We are stretching the budget and it won’t be the last time we ever do it, but my view on investing money is you invest when there is an opportunity to get a return,” Kendrick said. “We are making a significant investment in a great, young player. I am hoping for the fans, and me personally, we will see how it works out.”
Showing its desire to win no matter the cost, the Diamondbacks front office is willing to do whatever it takes to put out a product on the field that the fans can rally behind and support.
Diamondbacks acquire Astros infielder after losing Christian Walker
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
