The Los Angeles Dodgers won their eighth World Series title in impressive fashion over the New York Yankees.
In many ways, it was a shame the series wasn’t extended further.
Nothing against the Dodgers – they were clearly the better and more deserving team. However, if the series went back to Los Angeles for a Game 6 and 7 we would’ve been in for quite a treat.
It was the highest-rated World Series since 2017, and people who don’t normally follow baseball were beginning to get swept up in the cross-country matchup.
However, when push came to shove the Yankees failed to do their part and lost the series, thanks in large part to one of the most self-destructive innings in MLB history.
The Dodgers have been a powerhouse for several years now.
Ownership has shown zero hesitation at collecting big-priced free agents and doing whatever they can to field the best team possible.
In many ways, the Dodgers have become the Yankees.
As Yankees fans know very well, the wild-spending approach doesn’t guarantee championships. However, the Dodgers were able to put it all together this year and came away with the crown thanks to their toughness and resiliency.
Needless to say, the Dodgers have become even more attractive to free agents around the league.
One interested free agent appears to be star pitcher Corbin Burnes.
Burnes, the four-time All-Star and 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner, posted a cryptic message on social media following the Dodgers World Series triumph.
Burnes, now a free agent, is expected to command a massive deal this offseason.
According to Bleacher Report, Burnes is projected to land a seven-year contract worth as much as $255 million.
Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden anticipates a similar seven-year, $247 million offer.
Spotrac has estimated Burnes’ market value at $180 million over six years.
The 30-year-old ace joined the Baltimore Orioles from the Milwaukee Brewers last February under a one-year, $15.6 million contract.
In 2024, Burnes posted a 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA while recording 181 strikeouts over 194.1 innings pitched.
He is widely regarded as one of baseball’s best pitchers.
Of course, the Dodgers also have their eyes on 23-year-old Japanese phenom Roki Saski.
According to reports, LA is considered a heavy favorite to sign Saski.
“With indications pointing to Sasaki joining this year’s class, we’ll include him here as he immediately would be among the most sought-after players available,” ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel said.
“Given the rules in place for players coming over from Japan before they turn 25 years old, it doesn’t make any financial sense for him to get his club to post him this year because, like Shohei Ohtani, he would be limited to the international bonus pools that are all under $8 million.
“If he comes after Dec. 15, the pools reset and he could get as much as $7 million or so, but if he comes before he’ll be limited to roughly $2.5 million at most.”
Getting back to Burnes, it will be fascinating to see where he winds up.
Fresh off the World Series title and with a strong desire to bolster their rotation for next season, the Dodgers are certainly a potential suitor for Burnes.
Dave Roberts’ club spent over $1 billion in contracts last offseason, and with two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani expected to rejoin the rotation, Los Angeles may look to add another ace to their staff.
If they truly are interested in signing Burnes, it will be easier said than done. After all, many teams are reportedly interested in pursuing the ace.
What are your thoughts on Burnes as a pitcher?
Where do you think he will end up and what will his contract look like???