The Los Angeles Dodgers have not been subtle about their attempts to rebuild their roster to compete for the first back-to-back World Series championship in since the the turn of the century. This has included pursuing each and every high-end free agent in the game.
While they have successfully added several and are close to a few more, according to MLB rumors reported by Bleacher Report, there is one they aren’t likely to sign:
MLB Rumors: Dodgers Unlikely Contending For Corbin Burnes
“[Corbin Burnes] is 30 years old, a four-time All-Star, the 2020 NL Cy Young, and the owner of such stellar career marks as a 3.19 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.
There are, however, two teams that have separated from the pack as the “favorites” to sign Burnes: the Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.”
The Dodgers’ top need this offseason was to rebuild their starting pitching corps and bullpen with Walker Buehler, Jack Flaherty, Clayton Kreshaw, Joe Kelly, Brent Honeywell, and Zach Logue all hitting free agency.
They have alleviated some of the need by re-signing relief pitcher Blake Treinen and adding ace Blake Snell. But more is still needed. With other top pitchers like Nathan Eovaldi, Max Fried, and Nick Martinez recently signing new contracts, the options to add another top starter are waning with several spots to fill. These rumors don’t take the Dodgers out of the running, but with those recent contracts Burnes’s price it likely skyrocketing.
The Dodgers are front runners in landing Japanese starting pitcher, Roki Sasaki.
To add insult to injury, BR predicts Burnes will sign with California rivals the San Francisco Giants.