The San Francisco Giants have emerged as a potential suitor for top free-agent pitcher Corbin Burnes, joining the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Yankees, and Burnes’ former team, the Orioles, in pursuing the right-hander. According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Giants are believed to have “significant interest” in Burnes, whose market value is projected by MLBTR at seven years and $200 million, making him the premier pitcher available this offseason.

This potential move raises questions about San Francisco’s financial strategy. The team reportedly aims to reduce payroll, yet signing Burnes at an average annual value of approximately $28.5 million would push the Giants’ payroll close to last season’s $208.1 million Opening Day figure. Currently, they have around $182.2 million committed for 2025, per RosterResource. To create more financial room, the Giants could explore trading players like Mike Yastrzemski, Camilo Doval, LaMonte Wade Jr., or the Rogers twins, Taylor and Tyler.

Despite the payroll considerations, the Giants have shown they are not shying away from high-profile targets. Alongside Burnes, they have expressed interest in Willy Adames and even checked in on Juan Soto’s availability. Additionally, San Francisco extended Matt Chapman with a six-year, $151 million deal, signaling a willingness to invest in top-tier talent. New president of baseball operations Buster Posey was reportedly instrumental in Chapman’s extension, hinting at an aggressive approach to securing star players.

Burnes, a native of Bakersfield, California, and a Saint Mary’s College alum, represents both a geographic and on-field fit for the Giants. He would likely step into the ace role left by Blake Snell, forming a formidable one-two punch with Logan Webb. This would strengthen a rotation that includes Kyle Harrison and Robbie Ray, while giving the Giants flexibility in determining their fifth starter.

However, signing Burnes would come with additional costs due to San Francisco exceeding the luxury tax threshold last season. The team would forfeit $1 million from their international signing pool and their second- and fifth-highest picks in the 2025 draft. Having already sacrificed draft picks for Blake Snell and Matt Chapman last winter, the Giants would need to weigh these penalties against the benefits of adding Burnes to their roster. Whether this pursuit reflects genuine ambition or merely due diligence remains to be seen.