While Sota Imanaga, Justin Steele, Javier Assad, and Jameson Taillon are all solid rotation pieces, however, the Chicago Cubs need a front-line starter. This is a team that not only needs starting rotation help but is desperate for a star. In free agency, there is a familiar face who would fit both needs for the Cubs and played for manager Craig Counsell before. I believe signing Corbin Burnes would give the Cubs a star and solidify their starting rotation.
A Successful 2024 Season
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter being traded from the Milwaukee Brewers, Corbin Burnes had a great year for the Baltimore Orioles. He went 15-9 with an ERA of 2.92, 181 strikeouts, and 1.096 WHIP. The 30-year-old appeared in his fourth straight all-star game and will most likely be a Cy Young finalist. He also helped the Orioles go to the postseason for the second consecutive season. Burnes is arguably the best free-agent starting pitcher on the market and will be in for a nice payday.
The Cubs Have A Need For A Top-Line Starter
Embed from Getty ImagesIn today’s game, a team needs five strong starting pitchers to have a chance. Shota Imanaga, Javier Assad, and Jameson Taillon all had great seasons. However, Justin Steele had multiple trips to the injured list and Kyle Hendricks now plays for the Angels. Taillon and Assad are better middle-rotation guys. It would also be nice to pair a star with Imanaga at the top. With the Cubs wanting to win right now, this opens up a need in the starting rotation.
The Craig Counsell Connection
Embed from Getty ImagesCorbin Burnes spent the first six years of his career pitching for the Brewers under current Cubs manager Craig Counsell. When Burnes pitched for Counsell, he went to his first three career all-star games and won a Cy Young Award. His prowess on the mound was a big reason why the Milwaukee Brewers won three division titles in six seasons. Milwaukee also went to the postseason five times with Burnes on the roster.
A Lot Of Success Against NL Central Teams
Embed from Getty ImagesA big reason why the Cubs missed the postseason in Counsell’s first season was they struggled against NL Central opponents. Last season, Chicago went 23-29 against opponents in their division. This includes losing the overall season series to the Reds, Brewers, and Cardinals. Fortunately for the Cubs, Corbin Burnes has pitched very well in his career against teams in the NL Central. In 76 career appearances against teams in the NL Central, Burnes is 17-14 with an ERA of 3.10, and 389 strikeouts.
Burnes Can Eat Innings
Embed from Getty ImagesA big thing Corbin Burnes would provide the Cubs is the ability to eat innings. The only starters to surpass 160 innings were Imanaga and Taillon. In the past four seasons, Burnes has averaged 189 innings pitched. The only starters who pitched more innings than Burnes were Logan Gilbert, Seth Lugo, Logan Webb, Zack Wheeler, and Aaron Nola. Chicago had problems finishing games last year, perhaps adding Burnes could make them rely on their bullpen less whenever he starts. Workhorse pitchers are becoming rarer as the seasons go on, and Burnes is a part of that dying breed. Last season, starting pitchers only averaged 5.2 innings pitched per game. Burnes finished 2024 averaging 6.07 innings pitched per start.
Corbin Burnes Has Proven To Be Durable
Embed from Getty ImagesA big quality that teams are placing a premium on is a starting pitcher’s durability. Throughout his career, the four-time all-star has been one of the more durable starters in baseball. He’s never had a major injury and hasn’t missed a start since 2021. All 30 MLB teams want their starters not to miss starts due to injuries. If the Cubs were to sign Corbin Burnes, they could almost automatically count on him being available.
He Could Have Even More Success Pitching At Wrigley Field
Embed from Getty ImagesAccording to Statcast.com, from 2022-2024, Camden Yards was a pitcher-friendly ballpark with a park factor of 99, ranking 21st in baseball. During that same period, Wrigley Field was even friendlier to pitchers with a park factor of 97, ranking 25th in baseball. The only stadiums that were more pitcher-friendly than the North Side were the Oakland Coliseum, Progressive Field, American Family Field, Petco Park, and T-Mobile Park. While Burnes had success pitching in Baltimore, he could potentially be even better if he comes to Chicago.
Signing Corbin Burnes Is A Move The Cubs Should Make
Embed from Getty ImagesHaving a strong starting rotation can make up for any deficiencies a team has offensively. While the Cubs have good starters in their rotation, the only one that is all-star caliber is Shota Imanaga. Adding a Cy Young-caliber pitcher like Corbin Burnes would do wonders for this team. He’d give the Cubs a star they desperately need, an innings eater, a durable arm, and someone who can change the team culture. Pressure is mounting for the Cubs to get back to the postseason; October baseball hasn’t been seen on the North Side in a full season since 2018. Adding a pitcher with Corbin Burnes’s pedigree would be a big step in getting Chicago back into the postseason conversation.
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