Corbin Burnes rejected offers bigger than Diamondbacks’ $210M due to family priorities, claims MLB insider

Corbin Burnes signed a six-year, $210 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks with an opt-out option after two years. The four-time All-Star was offered more guaranteed money from the San Francisco Giants and the Toronto Blue Jays but chose to sign with Arizona.

Burnes was scouted by the big-market clubs and even his former team, the Orioles. Eventually, with most other clubs splurging their cash elsewhere, it came down to the Giants and the Blue Jays, as reported.

But in a shocking revelation, D-backs swooped in and signed his services to keep him at the club till age 36. The first reason that insiders cited was the ease of tax rates in Arizona. The state doesn't have a varying income tax rate based on income. It has a fixed, flat 2.5 percent income tax rate.

Insider Jon Heyman reported on Saturday that Burnes' decision was also connected to his family residing in Arizona. Earlier in the year, his wife gave birth to twins, and the entire family lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. Thus, turning up for most of his work in Phoenix will ease him off duties of looking for a new home in an entirely different city.

It was reported that Burnes was looking at a range higher than the eight-year, $218 million contract Max Fried signed with the New York Yankees. But he has willingly given up a bigger guaranteed sum to be able to stay in Arizona and get a higher average annual value. If he is able to continue his form, similar AAV contracts should follow after the 2030 season.

Where does Corbin Burnes fit in the Arizona Diamondbacks rotation?

A pitcher of Corbin Burnes' stature easily becomes the spearhead of the Diamondbacks rotation. He is ably supported by Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson and Jordan Montgomery, all of who returned to the team without testing free agency.

However, taking on the $35 million annual average value might severely count towards D-backs already record franchise payroll. The team might be required to trade away Montgomery, who will earn $22.5 million after exercising the club option for his second year of the contract.

D-backs have a strong rotation and will look to get stronger after going 89-73 in 2024 and yet missing the playoffs.