The Arizona Diamondbacks have faced a significant setback as their ace, Corbin Burnes, is poised to undergo Tommy John surgery. The news was announced on Friday, marking the beginning of Burnes’ first season under his new $210 million contract. This contract, which is the most expensive ever given to a player by the Diamondbacks, is also the second-most expensive for a pitcher in the offseason, following only Max Fried’s $218 million over eight years.
The surgery, which typically involves the reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow, is expected to sideline Burnes for the entire 2026 season and into the early months of 2027. This is a major blow to the Diamondbacks, who hoped that Burnes would be a key component in their resurgence. Burnes is a high-level pitcher, having previously been a key player for the Milwaukee Brewers, where he won the Cy Young Award in 2021. He has shown great durability and consistency over the years, making at least 28 starts in every season since 2020.
In recent performances, Burnes has maintained a formidable record, with a 3-2 record and a 2.66 ERA in 11 starts this season. However, the injury that led to the surgery came during a game on Sunday when he allowed a single by CJ Abrams with two outs, leading to his frustration and subsequent gesture toward the dugout. The surgery, which will be a major milestone in Burnes’ career, could have a significant impact on the Diamondbacks’ prospects for the upcoming seasons. Despite the setback, the team remains hopeful that Burnes will recover fully and contribute to the team in the future.