When the Arizona Diamondbacks handed Corbin Burnes the six-year, $210 million contract, they were banking on a rocket launch. They hoped this move would elevate their franchise to the upper echelon of the National League. But as luck would have it, instead of a liftoff, Burnes has crash-landed into the worst situation possible.
On Friday, Torey Lovullo confirmed the news—Burnes will have to undergo Tommy John surgery and will be out for the season, and most likely for 2026 too. Lovullo said, “We’re all with Corbin right now… It’s a long road… but he will recover.”
But the timing couldn’t be worse, because Burnes had been sharp. He boasted a 3-2 record with a 2.66 ERA in 11 starts. He was supposed to be the ace for Arizona, someone whom they could trust to help them climb out of their mediocrity.
Corbin Burnes will undergo a season-ending Tommy John surgery.
The #Dbacks ace is 3-2 with a 2.66 ERA in 11 starts this season.@Dbacks
https://t.co/fGPbvbj8w4 pic.twitter.com/R4dv92BjhO
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) June 7, 2025
But now, they are left sitting 31-31, 6.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, and stare down a rotation-sized void. And even insiders are no longer sugarcoating the issue. Chris Gimenez, without mincing words, mentioned that his heart goes out to Corbin Burnes. But while it’s a bummer, it’s even more brutal for the owner. He invested, after all, a lot of money in Burnes, and this won’t really help his small-market team. Not to mention that he demands “a pretty hefty percentage of the payroll… it makes it even worse.”
Giminez did, however, offer a glimmer of hope for Corbin Burnes, saying that today, at this age and day, Tommy John surgery is not a death sentence like it once was. “They’ve got it down to a science…It’s 12-16-18 months. I’d say a 95% return rate. Guys usually come back as good as they were. It’s a long process—but it’s not a career-ender.” Still, though, the damage is done. Arizona now has to sail without an anchor, and the Burnes deal, which was meant to be the light in the storm, now seems more like a ship taking on water.
Now, whether they sink or swim depends on how fast they patch this hole.
Diamondbacks are in desperation mode! Who replaces Corbin Burnes now?
Sure, the Diamondbacks have a major loss, but they can’t afford to sit back and mope. If they want to keep their postseason hopes alive, they have to act fast. Luckily, there is time because two months until the trade deadline. Arizona has a window to plug the hole, and make no mistake, it won’t be easy. They are not known for big trade market moves, but this season, they might have no choice. Some names are floating around.
The first is Jacob deGrom—he is 36 years old, and injuries have always been a gamble. But when he is on the mound, he has been solid—one of the best. A 2.34 ERA with the Rangers—that’s elite level. If Arizona’s front office is willing to go big, he might be the guy ready to step in and deliver that performance.
And if that’s too rich, then Zach Eflin is a more practical pickup. Since returning from his injury, he has been serviceable, and that’s what Arizona might need. A vet who can eat the innings and give the defense a chance to win games. Plus, moving from the Baltimore Orioles’ struggles to Arizona will only turn his season around. But that’s not all—there is another name—Tony Gonsolin from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Yes, trading him within the division is kind of rare, not to mention it is risky. But Gonsolin’s got what it takes, too, and if Arizona wants to chase LA, why not do it by taking one of their arms?
For sure, Burnes is gone now, but the Arizona Diamondbacks’ season doesn’t have to go with him. Don’t you think? Let us know.
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