Contracts are a significant part of the conversation surrounding Major League Baseball (MLB). Players’ earnings, team budgets, and competitive balance all hinge on how contracts are negotiated and structured. One name that has recently dominated the discussion is Corbin Burnes, the ace pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers. The “Corbin Burnes contract” has become a hot topic for what it represents for the player and team and its implications for the broader MLB landscape.
In this article, we will dive into the details of the Corbin Burnes contract, what it reveals about MLB’s financial dynamics, and how it compares to other players’ contracts. Additionally, we will explore how athletes from different sports, such as gymnast Jordan Chiles (whose net worth has been gaining attention), navigate financial opportunities.
The Rise of Corbin Burnes: Why His Contract Matters
Before diving into the specifics of the Corbin Burnes contract, it’s essential to understand why Burnes is such a pivotal figure in today’s baseball scene. The right-handed pitcher, drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016, has emerged as one of the league’s most dominant players. Burnes achieved superstar status during his Cy Young Award-winning season in 2021, boasting a league-leading ERA (2.43) and 234 strikeouts.
For a small-market team like the Brewers, retaining a generational talent like Burnes is both a priority and a challenge. This is where the contract negotiations become critical. MLB teams often face difficult decisions about how much they will spend to keep top-tier players while maintaining financial flexibility for other roster needs.
The Details of the Corbin Burnes Contract
The Brewers and Corbin Burnes entered arbitration in early 2023 to decide his salary for that year. Burnes filed for $10.75 million, while the Brewers countered with $10.01 million. Despite his status as one of the league’s elite pitchers, the Brewers won the arbitration hearing, and Burnes was awarded the $10.01 million salary for the 2023 season.
While the arbitration process saved the Brewers a small amount of money in the short term, it also generated significant controversy. Burnes publicly expressed frustration with the process, describing how the team’s approach to the hearing left him underappreciated. These tensions have fueled speculation about Burnes’ long-term future in Milwaukee.
As of early 2025, the Brewers have not yet locked Burnes into a long-term extension, and he is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season. If no deal is reached, Burnes will likely become one of the most sought-after free agents in recent history, commanding a massive payday.
Comparisons to Other MLB Contracts
The Corbin Burnes contract situation highlights a growing trend in MLB: teams must carefully weigh the cost of signing elite players to long-term deals against the potential risks. For example, pitchers like Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees) and Jacob deGrom (Texas Rangers) have signed record-breaking contracts in recent years, each exceeding $30 million annually.
In contrast, the Brewers have historically avoided such massive contracts. The largest deal in franchise history is Christian Yelich’s $215 million extension, signed in 2020. While Yelich was once an MVP-caliber player, injuries and declining performance have made the deal less favorable for Milwaukee. This may explain the Brewers’ hesitancy in committing a large sum to Burnes.
The case of Burnes also mirrors broader conversations about how teams value pitchers. While Burnes’ dominance on the mound makes him a prime candidate for a blockbuster deal, pitchers carry inherent risk due to the high likelihood of injuries. MLB executives must decide whether investing in an elite arm is worth the potential downside.
How the Corbin Burnes Contract Impacts the Brewers’ Future
If the Brewers fail to extend Corbin Burnes, it could signal a shift in their approach to team-building. Losing their ace would undoubtedly weaken their rotation and diminish their playoff chances. However, the Brewers may trade Burnes before he hits free agency, which could help them recoup valuable assets.
Alternatively, signing Burnes to a long-term extension would require the Brewers to take on significant financial risk. For a small market team, committing $200+ million to one player would limit their ability to address other needs. The Brewers must weigh the benefits of keeping Burnes against the potential consequences of allocating so much of their budget to one star.
Parallels in Other Sports: The Financial Rise of Athletes Like Jordan Chiles
While the MLB contract landscape is unique, it’s not the only arena where financial negotiations are crucial in athletes’ careers. Consider the case of Jordan Chiles, a standout gymnast and Olympic medalist. Like Burnes, Chiles has seen her star rise dramatically in recent years, increasing earning potential both in and out of competition.
Jordan Chiles’ net worth has grown steadily thanks to endorsement deals, prize money, and opportunities in gymnastics exhibitions. As of 2025, it is estimated to be in the seven-figure range. This mirrors the financial trajectory of MLB players like Burnes, who also capitalize on performance and marketability.
The comparison underscores how athletes across sports must navigate the intersection of talent, market demand, and financial negotiations. Whether it’s a gymnast like Chiles or a baseball star like Burnes, the importance of securing a fair and lucrative contract cannot be overstated.
The Broader Implications for MLB Contracts
The Corbin Burnes contract serves as a microcosm of more significant trends in MLB. As revenues grow, players and agents push for contracts reflecting the league’s financial success. At the same time, teams—especially those in smaller markets—seek ways to remain competitive without overextending their budgets.
One notable development is the increasing use of arbitration as a negotiating tool. Like the one Burnes experienced, arbitration hearings often strain relationships between players and teams. This dynamic could change how MLB handles salary negotiations as players demand more transparency and respect.
Additionally, the Burnes situation highlights the importance of long-term planning for teams. Failing to sign Burnes to an extension would be a missed opportunity for the Brewers, but overpaying for his services could also hinder their ability to build a well-rounded roster.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Corbin Burnes and the Brewers?
The Corbin Burnes contract is more than just a number—it symbolizes MLB teams’ challenges in balancing talent retention and financial sustainability. As Burnes enters the final year of his contract, the Brewers must decide whether to invest in their ace or risk losing him to free agency.
Meanwhile, fans and analysts will continue to debate the implications of Burnes’ future. Will Milwaukee make a bold move to keep their star? Or will Burnes follow the path of other elite players who left small-market teams for bigger paydays?
In the broader context of sports, Burnes’ story shares similarities with athletes like Jordan Chiles, whose net worth reflects the growing opportunities available to top performers. Both Burnes and Chiles highlight how success on the field—or mat—can lead to significant financial rewards, provided that negotiations are handled strategically.
As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, the resolution of the Corbin Burnes contract will serve as a case study in MLB economics. Whether he stays in Milwaukee or takes his talents elsewhere, one thing is clear: Corbin Burnes is poised to leave a lasting impact on the league.
