Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) throws during the first inning of their game against the New York Mets Monday, September 19, 2022 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wis. Brewers19 2
Syndication: Journal Sentinel
Milwaukee Brewers pitchers and catchers officially are set to partake in their first official workout at American Family Fields of Phoenix on Thursday. All smiles, right? Wrong.
Corbin Burnes said on Thursday that his relationship with the Brewers is “definitely hurt” following his arbitration process.
The Brewers ace lost his hearing Thursday and will make $10.01 million this season, opposed to the $10.75 million he desired.
While the gap between the two sides was minimal, the 28-year-old seemingly still is unhappy.
“You kind of find out your true value. You work hard for seven years in the organization and five years with the big-league team, and you get in there and basically they value you much different than you thought you contributed to the organization.”
The California native ads, “Honestly, it’s tough to hear, tough to take, but they’re trying to do what they can to win. But obviously I think there are other ways they could have gone about it. Be a little more respectful with the way they went about it.”
Brewers GM Matt Arnold also weighed in.
“Look, we and he both worked exceptionally hard to come to an agreement, to Corbin’s credit, he has the opportunity to say no. We always want to try to get to a place where the player is comfortable, and also we respect the heck out of Corbin’s right to push for what he believes is fair.”
Despite missing the playoffs last year, the budding superstar compiled a 2.94 ERA, and 0.96 WHIP across 202 innings.
Burnes added there were no talks about a long-term contract extension, but said the team made a “pretty poor” two-year offer in the days prior to the hearing.
The 2021 Cy Young winner is due to become a free agent after the 2024 season. After his comments Thursday, it’s fair to assume he could be taking his talents elsewhere.
