After reaching an agreement with Shohei Ohtani on a record-setting contract, the Los Angeles Dodgers are now expected to turn their focus to acquiring starting pitching.
The Dodgers reportedly remain among the favorites to sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who could command a contract of $300 million. The team has also been linked to the likes of Blake Snell, Lucas Giolito and Seth Lugo in free agency.
In terms of trade targets, the Dodgers have been connected to Shane Bieber, Dylan Cease and Tyler Glasnow. Corbin Burnes was believed to be a possible option as well, but the Milwaukee Brewers have not committed to a full-blown rebuild and may decide to keep their ace.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Brewers are now expected to hold on to Burnes and attempt another playoff run:
The Milwaukee Brewers are now expected to retain Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes instead of trading him, still wanting to compete for the NL Central title.
Burnes is coming off a season in which he went 10-8 with a 3.39 ERA, 3.81 FIP and 1.07 WHIP in 32 starts. He led National League pitchers in WHIP, tied for fifth in innings pitched (193.2) and earned a third consecutive All-Star Game selection.
Trading for Burnes would have instantly bolstered the Dodgers rotation with an ace. The right-hander is entering a final year of arbitration before potentially becoming a free agent after the 2024 season.
If the Brewers fall out of contention next year, they could look to trade Burnes at the deadline. However, if they want to maximize his value, it would benefit them to deal him sooner rather than later.
Corbin Burnes ranks among MLB pitchers
Among starting pitchers with more than 500 innings since 2021, Burnes ranks No. 1 in ERA (2.94), strikeouts (677), WHIP (0.99) and batting average allowed (.198).
He’s also allowed the fewest earned runs (184) and hits (408) while finishing fourth in strikeout-to-walk ratio at 75.8%.
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