Corbin Burnes has yet to pitch for the Arizona Diamondbacks during the 2026 season through, but his long-awaited return is finally approaching.

Burnes is projected to rejoin the rotation tomorrow after Tommy John surgery wiped out most of his 2025 season and a setback delayed his comeback.

Beyond his immediate return, Arizona also faces an important question regarding Burnes’ future.

According to Bob Nightengale from USA TODAY, however, rival teams do not expect the right-hander to exercise his opt-out clause and enter free agency this winter.

Nightengale reported that the Diamondbacks plan to be cautious with Burnes because he still has four years and $140 million remaining on his contract.

His return could nevertheless provide Arizona with an important boost during the final three weeks as the team continues pursuing a postseason spot.

Burnes’ late-season appearances will also give other teams an opportunity to evaluate him if he seriously considers opting out.

Even so, teams around MLB reportedly expect him to remain with Arizona.

“The D-Backs will be cautious with him, knowing he still has four years, $140 million remaining on his contract, but his return could be a boost for their playoff hopes the final three weeks,” Nightengale wrote.

“Burnes’ return also gives teams a free look at him if Burnes really wanted to take the massive gamble and exercise his opt-out, but teams are fully expecting him to stay in Arizona.”

Burnes technically has the option to test the market, but doing so would represent a significant gamble after missing most of both 2025 and 2026 following Tommy John surgery.

He could pursue another long-term contract, but the financial security already guaranteed by the Diamondbacks makes staying the much safer option.

Burnes is owed $140 million across the next four seasons, an average of $35 million per year.

Landing that type of annual salary in free agency after missing close to two full seasons would be difficult.

If Burnes opted out, he could instead face the possibility of receiving a much smaller one-year prove-it contract rather than another lucrative long-term commitment.

That makes an opt-out unlikely even if he performs exceptionally well following his return.

The four-time All-Star and former Cy Young Award winner is currently in the second season of a six-year, $210 million contract.

At his best, Burnes combines command, preparation and the ability to make adjustments during games.

His approach is built around attacking hitters with purpose rather than simply overpowering them.

That type of pitching intelligence becomes especially important after a major injury, when regaining feel and confidence can matter as much as raw stuff.

Burnes also brings the mentality of an established ace.

He has handled high expectations throughout his career and understands how to prepare for difficult assignments.

Arizona will not need him to immediately carry the rotation.

The priority will be allowing him to rebuild trust in his body, sharpen his execution and gradually settle back into competition.

If that process goes well, the Diamondbacks should have both an important late-season addition and a proven frontline starter under contract well beyond 2026.