Red Sox Were THIS Close to Signing Star Pitcher! Why He Chose a Surprise Team Will Shock You!

In one of the most surprising moves of the offseason, star pitcher Corbin Burnes inked a six-year, $210 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Despite heavy speculation linking him to big-market teams like the Boston Red Sox, Burnes ultimately chose Arizona, a team not typically known for splurging in free agency. The Diamondbacks, who weren’t even considered frontrunners for Burnes, pulled off a stunning coup by landing one of the top free agents of the year, second only to Juan Soto in terms of star power.

Burnes has been one of baseball’s most dominant and consistent pitchers in recent years, boasting a stellar track record and remarkable durability. Since 2021, he has finished in the top 10 of Cy Young voting every season, including winning the NL award in 2021. Over that span, he has compiled a 2.94 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and a 4.31 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 757 innings. Even after being traded from Milwaukee to Baltimore last year, Burnes continued to excel, finishing fifth in the AL Cy Young race.

The Red Sox, who missed out on Soto, had identified Burnes as their top target, especially after Max Fried signed with the Yankees. Alongside the Mets, Giants, and Blue Jays, Boston was considered a leading contender for Burnes. However, as the offseason progressed, their chances seemed to fade. Burnes later revealed that the Red Sox were among the finalists until the very end, claiming he received “very similar offers” from both Boston and Baltimore.

While this revelation highlights how close the Red Sox came to signing Burnes, it’s not exactly comforting news for their fans. The fact that their offer was comparable to that of the Orioles—a team with a much smaller payroll—raises questions about their level of commitment. Ultimately, Burnes chose Arizona, another team not typically associated with blockbuster spending.

Although Burnes’ resume is impressive, his contract is substantial and includes an opt-out clause after two years. At 30 years old, there’s some risk involved for the Diamondbacks. While it would have been a significant addition for the Red Sox, Burnes isn’t quite the guaranteed game-changer that Soto represents.