Giants predicted to win blockbuster bidding war for $245 million superstar

The San Francisco Giants have an ace to replace.

Blake Snell's one year in San Francisco will always be a fascinating footnote in his excellent career. He was ineffective and injured in the first half, the most dominant pitcher in baseball in the second half, then quickly signed with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers.

Now that Snell has gone to LA, there's a hole in the rotation next to Logan Webb's name at the top of the roster. And Corbin Burnes, the four-time All-Star formerly of the Baltimore Orioles, is undoubtedly the best pitcher still available at this juncture. 

Burnes is seeking a deal of at least $245 million, as reported by MLB.com's Mark Feinsand last week. It remains to be seen whether he will get paid every dollar he wants, but few teams have the combination of money and desperation that the Giants possess.

Colin Cerniglia of Yardbarker predicted that the Giants would land Burnes, replacing Snell at the top of the rotation.

"The 2021 Cy Young winner thrived in Baltimore after an offseason trade, posting a 15-9 record, a 2.92 ERA and 181 strikeouts in 194.1 innings," Cerniglia wrote. "His combination of durability and high strikeout potential perfectly aligns with teams who need an ace to stabilize their rotation and contend."

"Prediction: The San Francisco Giants will win the Burnes sweepstakes."

Burnes. 30, has been one of the most dependable and dominant pitchers of the last half-decade. In the era of constant starting pitching injuries, he's made over 30 starts in four consecutive seasons, and shut down opposing offenses all the while.

The Giants may never be favorites in the National League West no matter what they do, but signing Burnes could give them a rotation to rival the Los Angeles Dodgers. And if you can keep the other team off the scoreboard, you'll always have a chance to go far.

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