Corbin Burnes – Arizona Diamondbacks Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Corbin Burnes stands out as one of baseball’s elite pitchers, famous for his nasty cutter and sharp command on the mound. He’s come a long way—from a Milwaukee Brewers draft pick to a Cy Young Award winner. You can really see his dedication to perfecting his craft. Teams across Major League Baseball have been keeping an eye on him, and for good reason.

In December 2025, Burnes agreed to a historic six-year, $210 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. That’s the richest deal in team history by a mile. The contract includes a $10 million signing bonus and $64 million in deferred payments, which really shows Arizona wants to build around him. Burnes earned this massive payday after proving himself as one of the best arms in the game.

Before that blockbuster deal, Burnes avoided arbitration with the Brewers in 2022 by signing a $6.5 million contract. His value skyrocketed as he developed into an Opening Day starter and one of the most dominant pitchers around. Arizona’s hefty investment signals their belief in Burnes to lead their staff for years.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Corbin Brian Burnes didn’t just stumble into baseball stardom. Family support, good schools, and a stubborn work ethic all played a part. Those early years set the stage for his rise to Major League Baseball.

Family Background

Corbin Burnes was born on October 22, 1994, in Bakersfield, California. Bakersfield is one of those Central Valley towns where baseball really matters. His parents noticed his athletic side early and encouraged his baseball dreams.

The Burnes family gave Corbin a stable home where he could focus on his skills. There isn’t much public info about his siblings or extended family, but it’s obvious they helped nurture his ambitions.

His 93307 zip code neighborhood had plenty of youth baseball leagues. That’s where Burnes first started showing off the talent that would eventually take him to the majors.

High School and College Baseball

Burnes went to Centennial High School in Bakersfield, where he started to stand out as a pitcher with real potential. He wasn’t a top prospect at first, but he kept improving and built a reputation for his relentless work ethic.

After high school, Burnes picked Saint Mary’s College of California. That choice turned out to be huge for his development. At Saint Mary’s, he transformed from an overlooked recruit into one of college baseball‘s top pitchers.

During his junior year, Burnes really broke out. He put up numbers that got MLB scouts talking. Every season, he added a little more velocity and polish to his game.

Path to Professional Baseball

Burnes’ performance at Saint Mary’s raised his profile with scouts. In 2016, the Milwaukee Brewers picked him in the fourth round of the MLB Draft.

After signing, Burnes moved quickly through the Brewers’ minor league system. He surprised a lot of people who hadn’t pegged him for such a rapid rise.

His analytical approach and willingness to tweak his pitching set him apart. Burnes started developing those habits in college, and they became trademarks as he made the jump to pro ball.

Major League Baseball Journey

Corbin Burnes didn’t just show up as an ace. He worked his way up, transforming from a struggling reliever into one of baseball’s elite starting pitchers. His journey is a story of resilience and serious pitch development.

MLB Debut and Early Performance

Burnes made his Major League Baseball debut with the Milwaukee Brewers on July 10, 2018. The Brewers used him mostly as a reliever at first, and he impressed with a 7-0 record and a 2.61 ERA over 38 innings.

His second season in 2019 was rough. Burnes struggled as the Brewers tried him out as a starter, ending up with an 8.82 ERA in 49 innings and giving up 17 home runs. He bounced between the rotation and the bullpen, searching for answers.

Instead of letting that setback break him, Burnes used it as motivation to reinvent his pitching style. He overhauled his arsenal and approach.

Breakthrough Seasons and All-Star Recognition

In 2020, during the shortened season, Burnes finally broke through. He finished with a 2.11 ERA and 88 strikeouts in 59.2 innings, good enough for sixth in National League Cy Young voting.

Then came 2021—his true breakout year. Burnes won the NL Cy Young Award, led the league with a 2.43 ERA, and posted 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings. He even started a game where the Brewers threw a no-hitter against Cleveland.

That season earned Burnes his first All-Star selection. His cutter started getting attention as one of the nastiest pitches in baseball.

Role as a Starting Pitcher

From 2021 on, Burnes became the Brewers’ ace and one of the top starters in MLB. His arsenal? A vicious cutter, plus a sinker, slider, curve, and changeup.

He kept up the excellence in 2022, earning another All-Star nod and finishing with a 2.94 ERA and 243 strikeouts. Burnes has a knack for limiting hard contact and getting swings and misses.

In Milwaukee’s rotation, he took on the role of leader, always matching up against the other team’s best. After several stellar seasons with the Brewers, Burnes moved on to the Arizona Diamondbacks, signing a contract that really reflected his status as one of the game’s elite.

Achievements and Awards

Corbin Burnes has piled up some serious accomplishments. He’s got the hardware—prestigious individual awards and big playoff performances that show just how good he really is.

Cy Young Award and Other Honors

Burnes won the National League Cy Young Award in 2021. That year, he posted a 2.43 ERA with 234 strikeouts and took home 12 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

He’s made multiple All-Star teams, proving his consistency at the top level. In his Cy Young season, Burnes led the National League in ERA (2.43) and strikeouts per nine innings (12.6).

He set an MLB record by striking out 58 batters before issuing his first walk in 2021, breaking a record that stood for 143 years. Burnes has also earned praise for his fielding, showing he’s more than just a strikeout artist.

World Series and Postseason Impact

Burnes has delivered in the playoffs, even if a World Series title with the Brewers slipped through his fingers. He made his postseason debut in 2018, but his best playoff work came after he became an ace.

In big October games, Burnes brought the same dominance he showed in the regular season. He started key playoff matchups, often facing the best from the other side.

After being traded to the Baltimore Orioles, Burnes kept chasing postseason glory. His playoff experience and ability to handle pressure make him a huge asset when the games really count.

Burnes’ command and his ability to get swings and misses with his cutter have made him especially tough in October, when every pitch is magnified.

Contract Details and Negotiations

Corbin Burnes grabbed headlines when he signed a massive deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks in December 2025. The move to Arizona surprised a lot of people and came with some pretty wild numbers and terms.

Overview of the $210 Million Contract

The Arizona Diamondbacks finalized a six-year deal with Burnes worth $210 million. That’s one of the biggest contracts ever for a starter in his early 30s. Most analysts thought Burnes would end up with a perennial playoff team, so this caught everyone off guard.

Arizona hasn’t usually handed out massive pitching deals, so this marks a big change in their approach. At $35 million per year, Burnes instantly became one of the highest-paid pitchers in the league.

This contract makes it clear Arizona wants to build around their young core and add a proven ace. Burnes brings Cy Young-level talent to their rotation.

Contract Structure: Deferred Money, Signing Bonus, and Opt-Out Clause

The $210 million deal includes a $10 million signing bonus that Burnes got right away. Here’s the breakdown:

Contract Breakdown:

• Total Value: $210 million guaranteed
• Length: 6 years
• Signing Bonus: $10 million
• Average Annual Value: $35 million
• Deferred Money: About $40 million paid out after the contract ends

Burnes also has a player opt-out after year four, so he can re-enter free agency if the market looks better. That opt-out is a big win for his side.

The deferred money helps Arizona manage their payroll while still giving Burnes the payday he wanted. Those payments will stretch out for years after the contract ends.

Role of Agent Scott Boras and Negotiation Timeline

Scott Boras, maybe the most influential agent in baseball, ran Burnes’ free agency with his usual patience and strategy. Negotiations started right after the World Series and went into late December, which gave Boras more leverage.

He used reported interest from the Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets to drive up the price. Boras focused on Burnes’ consistency and durability compared to other big-name pitchers.

By waiting until late December, Boras and Burnes put pressure on Arizona, who didn’t want to miss out. Burnes kept things quiet, never saying anything that could hurt his negotiating position. That fit perfectly with Boras’ playbook.

Net Present Value and Financial Implications

The net present value (NPV) of Burnes’ contract is around $185 million when you account for deferred payments and the time value of money. That calculation factors in inflation and possible investment returns over the years.

Arizona’s state income tax is lower than California’s or New York’s, so Burnes keeps more of his money. That’s a nice bonus worth a few million dollars.

The contract puts Arizona in an interesting spot:

• Short-term: They have less flexibility for other big free agents
• Medium-term: They’re set up to win while Burnes is in his prime
• Long-term: Deferred payments will impact their budget down the road

Arizona structured the deal to balance going for it now with staying stable in the future. Even with the big price tag, the record deal shows they’re serious about contending during Burnes’ time with the team.

Net Worth, Endorsements, and Lifestyle

Corbin Burnes has put together a solid financial portfolio thanks to his MLB career and some endorsements. Despite the big money, he’s known for living pretty modestly. His net worth has jumped, especially after those recent contracts.

Sources of Income and Assets

Corbin Burnes holds an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2023. That number probably shot up after his latest contract.

In December 2024, Burnes signed a huge six-year, $210 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This contract really changed his financial picture.

Most of Burnes’ money comes from his baseball salary. He started with rookie contracts, moved through arbitration, and now he’s landed a nine-figure payday.

He probably owns some pretty nice real estate, but he doesn’t really flaunt his property investments. Burnes’ market value has climbed as he went from the Brewers to the Orioles, and now the Diamondbacks.

Endorsement Deals

Burnes doesn’t show up in as many big-name ads as some MLB stars, but he’s picked up a few partnerships that fit his style. He’s got equipment deals for pitching gloves and cleats with some baseball brands.

After his Cy Young Award and those All-Star nods, Burnes became more appealing to national brands. Still, his endorsement deals don’t stack up to the size of his playing contract.

He’s picked up some regional endorsements in Milwaukee, Baltimore, and maybe soon in Arizona. Burnes seems pretty picky about partnerships, sticking to those that match his focused, no-nonsense reputation.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Burnes keeps things private, spending time with family and focusing on baseball instead of showing off. He and his wife Brooke keep a pretty low profile on social media.

Even with all that money, Burnes stays careful with his finances. He’s helped out with several charitable causes, but he doesn’t go out of his way to draw attention to it.

He usually supports youth baseball programs and community projects in the cities where he’s played. Burnes’ steady approach to giving back matches his down-to-earth attitude, even as he’s become one of the game’s best.

Recent Teams, Trades, and Future Outlook

Corbin Burnes has moved around a lot lately, jumping from the Brewers to the Orioles and now landing with the Diamondbacks on a massive contract.

Trades and Team Transitions

Burnes spent six seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers (2018-2023). Then, in February 2024, the Brewers surprised everyone by trading their ace to the Baltimore Orioles.

The Orioles sent infielder Joey Ortiz, lefty DL Hall, and a competitive balance draft pick to Milwaukee to get Burnes. Baltimore wanted a true ace for their playoff run, even if it was only for one year.

After just one season in Baltimore, Burnes hit free agency and made headlines again. He signed a six-year, $210 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, which included a $10 million signing bonus.

He can opt out of the deal after the 2026 season if he wants.

Performance with the Orioles and Diamondbacks

Burnes kept dominating during his lone season with the Orioles in 2024. He picked up his fourth straight All-Star selection and anchored a young pitching staff.

Moving to Arizona put him at the front of a strong rotation with Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, and Brandon Pfaadt. That group instantly made the D-backs serious National League contenders.

When Burnes arrived in Arizona, people called it a “shocking” free agent signing. The Diamondbacks outbid several teams, including the Orioles, who apparently offered four years and $180 million to try to keep him.

Future Prospects and Free Agency

Burnes’ contract with the D-backs keeps him as their main pitcher through the 2030 season, unless he decides to use his opt-out clause after 2026.

At 30, he’s locking in what most people would call the best years of his career with this deal.

The opt-out gives Burnes a lot of freedom, especially if he keeps pitching at an elite level. Apparently, geography mattered a lot when he picked Arizona instead of going back to Baltimore.

Burnes instantly boosts Arizona’s shot at keeping up with NL giants like the Dodgers, Braves, and Phillies.

The D-backs rotation suddenly has one of the best top-4 starters in all of baseball.

Burnes now joins a wave of pitchers landing contracts over $30 million a year. That’s a group that includes stars like Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and even Juan Soto, who just signed as a free agent.