Done Deal: Corbin Burnes Rejects $78.8 Million Contract Extension, Chooses to Stay with Milwaukee Brewers for Five More Years…

Done Deal: Corbin Burnes Rejects $78.8 Million Contract Extension, Chooses to Stay with Milwaukee Brewers for Five More Years

In a surprising turn of events, star pitcher Corbin Burnes has officially rejected a lucrative $78.8 million contract extension offered by the Baltimore Orioles, opting instead to remain with the Milwaukee Brewers for the next five years. The decision has sent shockwaves through both the MLB and fan communities, with many questioning the motivations behind Burnes’ choice to stay with the Brewers, despite the enticing offer from the Orioles.

Burnes, who has established himself as one of the top pitchers in Major League Baseball over the past few seasons, was in the final stages of contract negotiations when the Orioles made their bold offer. The $78.8 million extension would have been one of the richest in Baltimore’s history, reflecting Burnes’ impressive performance on the mound and his status as a Cy Young-caliber talent. However, after much deliberation, the 29-year-old right-hander opted to turn down the deal in favor of staying with the Brewers, a franchise he has been a part of since his debut in 2018.

In an official statement, Burnes expressed his gratitude for the Orioles’ interest but emphasized his desire to continue his journey with Milwaukee. “I want to thank the Baltimore Orioles for their offer and for believing in me, but my heart is with the Brewers. I’ve grown a lot here, both as a pitcher and as a person, and the support from the organization, the fans, and my teammates has been incredible. Milwaukee has been home for me, and I’m excited for the next chapter of our journey together,” Burnes said.

The decision is being viewed as a significant victory for the Brewers, who have long been in the midst of rebuilding their roster around a core of talented young players. Burnes has been a cornerstone of that effort, and his decision to remain with the team signals his confidence in the Brewers’ future prospects.

The five-year contract Burnes is reportedly finalizing with the Brewers will pay him substantially more than the Orioles’ offer, making it one of the largest contracts in franchise history. The deal also includes performance incentives and a no-trade clause, ensuring that Burnes will continue to be the ace of the Brewers’ rotation for the foreseeable future.

For the Orioles, Burnes’ decision to stay with the Brewers represents a blow to their offseason plans, as they were hoping to add a proven frontline starter to an already impressive pitching staff. Despite this setback, Baltimore remains active in the market for other top-tier talent, with several other high-profile free agents still available.

For Burnes, the deal with Milwaukee solidifies his commitment to a franchise that has been integral to his growth as a pitcher. As the Brewers now prepare to build around their ace, the stage is set for Burnes to continue making his mark as one of the best in the game.