MLB insider makes feelings known about Diamondbacks rotation ft. Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez in light of $210,000,000 acquisition

MLB insider Jon Heyman shared his thoughts on the Arizona Diamondbacks signing Corbin Burnes to a massive six-year $210 million contract. The surprise move defied expectations, with the San Francisco Giants and the Toronto Blue Jays considered as the favorites and had offered more guaranteed money.

Burnes' addition immensely improves the Dbacks starting pitching. He will slot in as the ace at least for the next two years, as his contract has an opt-out clause after the end of the 2026 season.

On the MLB network, Heyman cited past instances of the Diamondbacks favoring starting pitching. They were propelled to their maiden franchise title in 2001 in their fourth year of existence following the performances from two legendary pitchers - Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling.

He noted the team's reliance on returning starters like Zac Gallen, Merill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez and Jordan Montgomery. Even though they had inconsistent spells in 2024, recording the fourth worst overall ERA for a pitching staff, adding Burnes and regaining confidence should help the team majorly.

"They love that pitching that's how they won that World Series in 2001 with (Randy) Johnson and (Curt) Schilling and now obviously they have Gallen, and they have Kelly, they have Rod (Eduardo), Montgomery, if he comes back and does better, and a few others. Arizona really has excellent pitching," Heyman said. [1:20]

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Jon Heyman says Diamondbacks move works out well for Phoenix-residing Corbin Burnes

Jon Heyman also confirmed that only the Giants and the Blue Jays had offered him more money, but the annual average value from either of the teams was also higher than the $35 million he's receiving in Arizona.

However, Arizona state laws have a flat 2.5 percent tax rate, which is lower in comparison to California or Canada. Moreover, Burnes and his family, including his wife and twins, live in Scottsdale, making his decision easier.

"I do know there was at least a team that offered considerably more per year and also there were teams that offered more in total, but this works out for Burnes," Heyman said (1:47).

"He lives in Phoenix, (is) from California, one in spring training at least in the Phoenix area, and he gets more than that. He gets to live in the Phoenix area year round, so a great deal for Burnes and a great deal for the Dbacks as well."

Burnes will hope to emulate the same success that has made him one of the best pitchers in baseball. He has a 60-36 career record and has no injury history, making him reliable.