Right-hander Corbin Burnes will remain with the Arizona Diamondbacks after declining to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract.

Bob Nightengale from USA TODAY reported that Burnes is committed to four more seasons worth $140 million through 2030.

The former National League Cy Young Award winner will earn $35 million annually from 2027 through 2030, although $11 million of his salary will be deferred each season.

Burnes signed a six-year, $210 million contract with Arizona in December 2024. It represented the largest agreement in franchise history at the time, surpassing the $206.5 million contract Zack Greinke signed in 2015.

However, injuries have considerably limited Burnes’ contributions during the first two years of his partnership with the Diamondbacks.

He has thrown only 74.2 innings over 14 starts during his two seasons with Arizona.

Burnes underwent Tommy John surgery midway through the 2025 season. Right shoulder inflammation then interrupted his rehabilitation in 2026 and delayed his return until September.

When Burnes finally rejoined the rotation, he did not have enough time or appearances to regain anything close to his best form.

He posted a 7.84 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in 10.1 innings over three starts last season.

Those results were neither surprising nor automatically a reason for concern.

Recovering from major elbow surgery already presents a considerable challenge, while the shoulder inflammation further complicated his attempt to rebuild his physical condition, command and consistency.

The Diamondbacks entered 2026 with another talented collection of starting pitchers. However, the five pitchers who begin the season in the rotation are rarely enough to carry a team through an entire 162-game schedule.

Burnes will stay, but Arizona will likely lose Zac Gallen in free agency.

Gallen struggled during the season and dealt with inflammation in his right elbow, creating additional uncertainty within the Diamondbacks’ pitching plans.

His potential departure could leave Burnes, Eduardo Rodríguez, Ryne Nelson, Merrill Kelly and Brandon Pfaadt as Arizona’s remaining rotation options.

Adding depth remains just as important as identifying the pitchers at the top of the rotation.

Burnes gives Arizona an accomplished pitcher capable of leading the staff once he fully recovers. His experience handling demanding workloads and facing the expectations attached to an ace should help provide stability.

His decision to remain also eliminates one major offseason uncertainty. The Diamondbacks no longer need to replace both Burnes and Gallen while operating under a reduced payroll.

Arizona must remain patient while Burnes rebuilds after two significant physical setbacks. His competitiveness and previous success provide reasons for confidence, but the rotation cannot depend entirely on his return to form.

Burnes staying gives the Diamondbacks a foundation. They still need additional depth to protect that foundation throughout 2027.