Will Corbin Burnes be traded? Brewers rumors and offseason tracker has the latest
As the Major League Baseball Winter Meetings wind down in Nashville, Corbin Burnes remains a hot name on the trade market. The Milwaukee Brewers' ace right-hander will be a free agent after the 2024 season and would be one of the best arms available in any scenario.
Here's the latest from national writers:
Corbin Burnes remains a topic on the trade market
Jon Heyman of the New York Post and MLB Network indicated that rival teams expected there was a "decent chance" Burnes was available, which matches what other writers have been hearing. Jeff Passan of ESPN also indicated Dec. 1 that the Brewers had been discussing Burnes with teams.
Ken Rosenthal floated the possibility that the Los Angeles Dodgers might pursue both Burnes and Willy Adames, suggesting second baseman Gavin Lux, a Kenosha native, could be part of the package heading to Milwaukee.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network quoted Brewers general manager Matt Arnold as saying, "A lot of teams are asking about him — and I think that's rightfully so. He's also one of the best pitchers we've had in our franchise history. We're thrilled to have him."
Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune previously wrote that the Padres have interest in Burnes. San Diego previously made landmark deals with Milwaukee in the offseason before 2020 (Eric Lauer and Luis Urías for Trent Grisham and Zach Davies) and during the 2022 season (Josh Hader for Robert Gasser, Taylor Rogers and Esteury Ruiz).
Brewers among teams interested in Isiah Kiner-Falefa
The Dodgers, Miami Marlins and Brewers are among the teams that Rosenthal has connected to 28-year-old Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
IKF played just about everywhere on the diamond last year (even at pitcher briefly!), demonstrating an uncommon defensive versatility after playing mostly as a shortstop for the New York Yankees in 2022. But he also only posted an OPS of .646, with six homers and a .306 on-base percentage in 113 games.
Brewers listening to offers for young outfielders
Heyman also indicated that the Brewers are listening to offers on their glut of young outfielders, which seems logical after Jackson Chourio signed an eight-year extension and figures prominently into the opening-day mix.
The Brewers have Christian Yelich, Tyrone Taylor, Sal Frelick, Joey Wiemer and Garrett Mitchell as outfield options, along with Chourio and Blake Perkins.
Key offseason additions for the Milwaukee Brewers
- Milwaukee re-signed left-handed pitcher Wade Miley to a one-year deal.
- Right-handed starter Colin Rea re-signed on a one year deal in early November.
- Pitcher Joe Ross, a right-hander who last pitched in the big leagues in 2021, is close to signing a Major League deal, though it's not yet official. He's made 76 career big-league starts in Washington.
- Milwaukee acquired first baseman Jake Bauers from the Yankees in exchange for minor-leaguers. He's out of minor-league options but has struggled in 412 big-league games.
- Minor-leaguer Oliver Dunn became an intriguing acquisition in a November exchange of minor-leaguers.
Key offseason losses for the Milwaukee Brewers
- The Brewers non-tendered Brandon Woodruff, who was expected to miss most of 2024 with injury before becoming a free agent in advance of 2025.
- First baseman Rowdy Tellez was also not offered a contract for 2024.
- Backup catcher Victor Caratini signed as a free agent with Houston.