"I think Max Fried's contract got Corbin Burnes paid" - Reds HOFer makes feelings known about Diamondbacks' $210,000,000 move

As expected, Corbin Burnes signed a lucrative contract this offseason. The former Cy Young winner agreed to a six-year, $210 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, joining Blake Snell (five years, $182 million with the Dodgers) and Max Fried (eight years, $218 million with the Yankees) as starters who secured handsome deals.

While the signing provides a much-needed boost to the D-backs' rotation, one former Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer believes Burnes has Fried to thank for his payday.

Speaking about Burnes' deal, Sean Casey said via "The Mayor's Office" podcast:

“Thirty-five million a year is nothing to sneeze at. I think Max Fried’s contract got Corbin Burnes paid, to tell you the truth."

"I don’t think Burnes would have made $35 million a year if Fried hadn’t signed for, what, eight years and $218 million or whatever it was. This market definitely helped Corbin Burnes, no doubt about it.”

Listen to Casey's remarks beginning at the 2:38 mark of the video below:

Casey also believes Burnes may have chosen to sign with the Diamondbacks because it allows him to be closer to home.

"I also think this is a family thing," Casey added. "He lives in Arizona in the offseason, just had twins, and I think he’s a family guy."

"Listen, man, if a lot of players had the option to stick around and live at home for the whole year, that makes life a lot easier. And to get $35 million to basically stay at your house all year long? You know what I mean? That’s hard to beat."

Corbin Burnes and D-backs deal made official

The signing, first reported last week, was officially confirmed by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night, with the deal pending a physical.

Corbin Burnes will lead the Diamondbacks' rotation, which struggled with injuries in 2024, contributing to their failure to reach the postseason after their World Series appearance the previous year.

Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Brandon Pfaadt and Eduardo Rodríguez will aim to support Burnes as the D-backs look to bounce back and make a strong push in 2025.

Burnes is coming off a season in which he posted a 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA. Over the past three years, he has been one of the top pitchers in the majors and will look to help the Diamondbacks contend in the competitive NL West division.