When Corbin Burnes inked a six-year, $210 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the baseball world did a double-take. Even GM Mike Hazen, the man who orchestrated the move, admitted he didn’t see it coming. “I’m not gonna lie to you, I was surprised too,” admitted Hazen, when questioned about the signing deal. The Diamondbacks were seen as underdog contenders in the competition for Burnes’ signature especially since big-spending teams such, as the Giants and Blue Jays were also showing strong interest. But what was the game-changer? Short answer: ownership.

Scott Boras, Burnes’ agent, bypassed traditional negotiations and went straight to the top—to Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick. In an era where many teams hesitate to shell out big money for pitching, Kendrick and CEO Derrick Hall gave Hazen the green light. That decision turned Arizona from a ‘nice landing spot’ to a team with serious championship aspirations.

“We’re very appreciative,” Hazen said, expressing gratitude for the ownership’s willingness to invest in a team that has now proven it can win. After all, the Diamondbacks weren’t always a destination franchise. Hazen admitted that in previous years, ownership didn’t necessarily see the team as worthy of such a commitment.

“You have to prove to them that if they’re gonna make that investment, you can return on that investment,” Hazen explained. And after a thrilling World Series run in 2023, the Diamondbacks have clearly earned their owners’ trust.

“You have to prove to them that if they’re gonna make that investment, you can return on that investment,” Hazen explained. And after a thrilling World Series run in 2023, the Diamondbacks have clearly earned their owners’ trust.

There’s no sugarcoating it—true No. 1 starters are baseball’s rarest and most valuable commodity. And with Burnes joining Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, Arizona suddenly has one of the best rotations in the National League. Moreover, Burnes, a former Cy Young winner, is fresh off a dominant 2024 campaign with Baltimore, where he posted a 2.92 ERA over 194.1 innings. He could have signed elsewhere—San Francisco and Toronto reportedly offered more money—but Arizona’s vision convinced him. The Diamondbacks aren’t just adding an ace; they’re making a statement.

“We want to create a competitive advantage,” Hazen said. “We want guys to want to play here, to marry, win, and compete with their families and their lives.” Clearly, Burnes’ signing signals a shift: the Diamondbacks are no longer underdogs. They’re spending like contenders—and playing like them too.

The Diamondbacks’ rotation has a true ace in Colin Burns

Corbin Burnes instantly transforms the Diamondbacks’ rotation from solid to elite. Over the past four seasons (2021-2024), he has been among MLB’s top five in ERA (3.19), WHIP (1.06), and strikeouts (1,051). His ability to generate weak contact with his cutter—widely considered one of the best in baseball—sets him apart as a premier pitcher. Now joining Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, Burnes bolsters Arizona’s starting rotation, positioning the team to compete more aggressively with the Dodgers and Padres in the NL West. Beyond his individual dominance, Burnes’ arrival addresses a crucial need for rotation depth.

Last season, Arizona’s pitching was tested after a deep 2023 postseason run, with Gallen carrying a heavy workload and Kelly sidelined at times due to injury. With Burnes in the mix, Gallen no longer has to shoulder the burden alone, while young arms like Brandon Pfaadt can develop without excessive pressure. Most importantly, the Diamondbacks now have a proven, playoff-tested ace capable of delivering in October—the kind of pitcher essential for a World Series contender.

In the end, with this move, the Diamondbacks proved they’re no longer afraid to spend like a contender. Also, with Burnes anchoring the rotation, they now have the firepower to challenge any team to make a deep postseason run. The question is will this move be enough to bring a championship back to the desert?