"Corbin Burnes is happy right now" - MLB insider claims Max Fried's 8-year $218,000,000 deal benefits 2021 AL Cy Young winner

This offseason, free-agent starting pitchers will be in high demand. Blake Snell and Max Fried have signed lucrative contracts, and none will be more happy than fellow free agent Corbin Burnes, who's waiting to sign something similar or better.

Snell was the first big splash this offseason, and, of course, the Dodgers signed him to a five-year, $182 million contract. On Monday, another notable ace, Fried, agreed an eight-year, $218 million contract, with the New York Yankees.

Snell, a two time Cy Young winner and Fried, a former Cy Young finalist, both got great deals.Thus, Burnes (also a Cy Young awardee) couldn't be more happy with how everything is unfolding, according to MLB analyst Matt Snyder.

"Corbin Burnes is happy right now. He’s arguably a better pitcher than Max Fried," Snyder said (2:14 onwards) on CBS Sports. "He’s a righty, and there are more right-handed hitters than left-handed hitters. He also has a bit more of a workhorse ability, with significantly more innings pitched over the last several years compared to Max Fried.

"So, if you’re Corbin Burnes and you’re already thinking about a seven-year, $200 million deal, now that you see an eight-year deal for over $200 million, you and your agent might be saying, ‘Oh, hey, we might get nine years. We might even get ten. We could get up to $250 million.’ I think Burnes is sitting pretty."

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After missing Max Fried, Red Sox eyes RHP Corbin Burnes

The Boston Red Sox are in dire need of an upgrade, so the ownership is ready to splurge this offseason. They offered Juan Soto too, but the outfielder agreed a record 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets instead. They also tried to land left-handed ace Max Fried but with no luck.

The Red Sox, who need a Cy-Young caliber ace, could look to offer Corbin Burnes, as there are only so many starting arms who are good as the former Orioles ace.

According to Red Sox beat writers Sean McAdam and Chris Cotillo, the Red Sox front office is “readying an offer” for the former National League Cy Young Award winner.

ESPN baseball analyst Jesse Rogers said about Burnes:

“(He) will likely come at a cost closer to $300 million than $200 million. Fried’s deal for $218 million for eight years sets the bar for Burnes who should blow by that number.”

It remains to be seen if the Red Sox make good and land the ace.