Corbin Burnes Has Expected to Remain With Diamondbacks
The veteran pitcher is projected to bypass his opt-out clause following two seasons marked by significant injuries.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Baseball
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Corbin Burnes is reportedly set to stay with the Arizona Diamondbacks, declining to trigger his opt-out clause to test free agency. The decision follows a challenging period for the pitcher, who has made only 14 starts for the team over the last two years.
Why it matters
Burnes' injury history, which includes a 2025 elbow surgery and a 2026 shoulder strain, has reduced his recent workload and market value. Remaining in Arizona secures his remaining $140 million in guaranteed salary over the final four years of his deal.
Burnes maintains a $210 million, six-year contract that includes an opt-out clause after two completed seasons. He recorded a 2.66 ERA in 2025 before a 7.84 ERA across three starts in a 2026 season ended by shoulder inflammation.
The players
Corbin Burnes
He is an established major league pitcher who signed a franchise-record contract with the Diamondbacks.
Scott Boras
He is a prominent sports agent known for representing high-profile baseball players in contract negotiations.
Arizona Diamondbacks
This is a professional baseball franchise based in Phoenix that competes in the National League West.
The details
Despite his previous success, shoulder inflammation and a Teres Major strain limited Burnes to just 14 total starts for the Diamondbacks. His agent, Scott Boras, has not yet officially moved to trigger the player opt-out, signaling a likelihood that Burnes will seek stability rather than the open market.
Timeline
Burnes underwent major elbow surgery during 2025.
He returned to a major league mound on September 8, 2026.
Burnes addressed his contract status with media on September 28, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Burnes' decision directly influences the Diamondbacks' starting rotation strategy for the next four years by locking in a significant portion of the payroll. His commitment helps the team avoid an immediate search for a high-priced replacement, stabilizing the roster as they look toward future playoff contention.
Burnes' decision confirms that $140 million remains committed to the team's payroll over the next four seasons. This salary allocation effectively limits the Diamondbacks' flexibility to pursue additional high-value free agents in the upcoming off-season.
The takeaway
Opt-out clauses provide leverage for players, but injury-plagued seasons can significantly shift the benefit of those options toward the team. Athletes in high-impact positions often prioritize long-term financial guarantees over potential market upside when their physical health has been recently compromised.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, visit the Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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