MLB Mailbag: Burns, Soto, Brewers, Dodgers, A’s, Astros

Where is today’s mailbag? corbyn burns Might go, why do we write player salaries, whether Juan Soto Will there be an opt-out, how the Brewers might approach their outfield, the Dodgers’ chances of signing various free agents, and what’s next for the Athletics.

Please note that this mailbag was originally published shortly before the news release Cody Bellinger The trade collapsed. I’m sure we’ll have this trade in the next mailbag, but since some of the Bellinger material in the mailbag was usurped by the trade, I’ve added some extra Astros questions and answers at the end.

Joel asked:

Why aren’t there any signs that the Mets are interested in Corbin Burns? If they’re willing to pay dinosaurs like Scherzer and Wilander, why not Burns? Otherwise, they would lose a lot of games 7-5.

Tony asked:

Corbyn Burns will compete with?

Bud asked:

As a Giants fan, it’s a little concerning to hear rumors that Corbin Burns is close to a deal with the team, followed by a week or more of silence. I wish there was more action…

Neil asked:

Will the Giants sign Burns or another pitcher?

David Stearns was the Brewers’ general manager when they drafted Burns in the fourth round in 2016 out of St. Mary’s College in California. player, so it’s natural to expect Stearns to be interested. While that’s true, Stearns became the Brewers’ free agent starter for $15.5MM (Julius Chasin 2016), the Mets do have more money than the Brewers.

Even comparisons to Stearns’ 2023-24 offseason are unfair because, as my colleague Darla McDonald wrote, it was “a transition year of sorts.” Therefore, a relatively affordable addition Sean Manaea, Luis Severinoand Adrian Hauser.

The Mets have made ownership-driven decisions so far, signing Juan Soto signed a record-breaking contract, and Stearns added Clay Holmes and Frankie Montas A two-year deal (if Holmes uses his opt-out) to help fill out the rotation. Gao Da Xian Jia Almost no pitching this year, and David Peterson21 starts, tying a career high. Paul Blackburn is a rotational back who has battled injuries, including back surgery in October. The rotation lacks reliability, and Burns could potentially fix that.

Stearns seems to be more interested in the trade market lately, showing interest Garrett Crochet and Luis Castillo this month. Presumably, they may chase Dylan Seth as well as. On Dec. 7, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic wrote that the Mets were interested in Manaea, Nathan Eovaldi, Walker Buehler, Jack Flahertyand Nick Pivetta. Around that time, Tim Healy of Newsday wrote that the Mets were not playing. Max Fried Landing in Burns is not expected. It appears Stearns simply doesn’t like the return on investment of a huge pitching contract (at least for the players available this winter) and doesn’t want to spend $250MM+ on Burns.