NL club viewed as possible favorite to sign Burnes

MLB.com is keeping track of the latest news and rumors surrounding Corbin Burnes.

Dec. 16: Giants viewed as possible favorite to sign Burnes
In the wake of Max Fried's reported eight-year, $218 million deal with the Yankees, Burnes is now in a tier of his own when it comes to free-agent starting pitchers. There are multiple clubs trying to woo the frontline starter, but MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi said during Monday's edition of Hot Stove that the Giants are viewed as "perhaps the frontrunner" to sign Burnes.

At the close of last week's Winter Meetings, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported that the Giants and Blue Jays are the favorites in the Burnes sweepstakes. The right-handed ace is poised to exceed Fried's price tag; multiple industry sources told Feinsand that they think Burnes will sign for at least $245 million, matching or exceeding the guaranteed total Stephen Strasburg received at the Winter Meetings five years ago.

The Red Sox, another Fried suitor, were reportedly preparing an offer to Burnes during last week's Meetings, according to Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam of MassLive.com. However, sources told Feinsand that the Red Sox appeared "hesitant to spend what it will take to sign Burnes." But they are still in the mix, even after acquiring left-hander Garrett Crochet from the White Sox. The incumbent Orioles are also involved, per Feinsand, but the belief is San Francisco and Toronto have been the two most aggressive clubs in the bidding.