Corbin Burnes to Opt In to Diamondbacks Contract
The veteran pitcher will remain with Arizona through the 2030 season following his recovery from surgery.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Baseball
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Corbin Burnes will exercise the opt-in clause on his current contract to stay with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 31-year-old pitcher remains signed through the 2030 season.
Why it matters
The decision ensures Burnes stays in the Arizona rotation as he works to return to form following significant injury. His presence provides stability for the team as they look toward the upcoming season.
Burnes holds a career 3.20 ERA across 213 appearances and maintained a 2.86 ERA from 2020-2025. During a limited 2026 campaign, he pitched 10.1 innings and allowed nine runs over three starts.
The players
Corbin Burnes
Corbin Burnes is a 31-year-old professional pitcher who won the NL Cy Young award in 2021.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional Major League Baseball team based in Phoenix.
The details
Burnes signed his six-year deal after the 2024 season and underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2025. He is expected to begin a throwing program later this year as he prepares to be 32 years old for the start of the next season.
Timeline
2015: Zack Greinke signed a $206.5 million contract.
2020-2025: Corbin Burnes maintained a 2.86 ERA.
2021: Corbin Burnes won the NL Cy Young award.
Post-2024 season: Corbin Burnes signed a six-year, $210 million contract.
June 2025: Corbin Burnes underwent Tommy John surgery.
Season Trajectory
Burnes' decision to opt in solidifies the Arizona Diamondbacks pitching rotation as the team aims to rebound from recent injury setbacks. This commitment mirrors historical franchise investments, such as Zack Greinke's 2015 contract, to secure a core veteran presence.
The pitcher is expected to begin a throwing program in November or December to prepare for the upcoming season. His remaining contract status through 2030 provides the team with a known salary cap commitment at the position.
The takeaway
Burnes remains a central figure for the rotation as he transitions into the next phase of his recovery. His continued tenure allows the organization to maintain continuity within the pitching staff through 2030.
Further reading
For more news on the team, visit the Baseball section.
Live Poll
Is it a good strategy to retain a high-paid player after consecutive injury-plagued seasons?
