Blue Jays, Giants emerge as top contenders for 4x All-Star Corbin Burnes amid Max Fried’s $218M blockbuster deal

The Corbin Burnes sweepstakes appear to be down to two finalists: the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays.

According to MLB insider Mark Feinsand, the Giants and Blue Jays are aggressively pursuing Burnes. The quest to land the four-time All-Star went into high gear after the New York Yankees signed free agent Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal.

The Blue Jays have struck out two years in a row on big free agent fish. Last winter, the Jays pursued Shohei Ohtani. While rumors suggested the Blue Jays were the winning party, Ohtani eventually signed with the LA Dodgers. This winter, the Jays missed out on Juan Soto.

The Giants have also struck out on big-name free agents in recent memory, though they did land Willy Adames this winter. San Francisco's inability to acquire talent via free agency has hampered the team’s ability to compete in the NL West, which features the loaded Dodgers and upstart Padres.

Per MLB.com, Burnes could see a deal in the $245 million range. The deal would eclipse Fried’s, placing him in Stephen Strasburg territory. The hypothetical deal could be in the five to six year range similar to Strasburg’s.

Red Sox still mulling over Corbin Burnes

The Boston Red Sox are another reported suitor for Burnes. However, MLB.com quoted Sean McAdam of MassLive.com, stating the Red Sox are unwilling to pony up the money it will take to sign Burnes even if they are interested in him. On Wednesday, the Red Sox acquired lefty pitcher Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. Though this doesn't prevent them from adding Burnes, it is possible they looked at Crochet as a less costly option.

Burnes’ incumbent team, the Baltimore Orioles, is still in the mix to re-sign him. The prevailing thought is the Orioles aren’t as motivated to sign Burnes as the Blue Jays or Giants.

It remains to be seen if either Toronto or San Francisco meets Burnes’ asking price. If both do, it will be a question of which team Burnes would rather join. It’s worth pointing out the Jays and Giants are coming off largely disappointing seasons. Toronto finished last in the AL East, with the Giants coming in fourth in the NL West.