Brewers face burning question: Trade or keep former Cy Young winner?

As the Milwaukee Brewers consider the future of ace Corbin Burnes, one of the most coveted trade chips in Major League Baseball, rumors swirl over whether they will cash in and build toward the future or hold on and go for it all in 2024. On Tuesday, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal outlined a strong case for retaining the 2021 Cy Young winner.

“The possibility exists that the team might carry Burnes into the season because of owner Mark Attanasio’s desire to compete and avoid the type of backlash the team received for trading Josh Hader at the 2022 deadline, according to major-league sources briefed on the team’s thinking,” Rosenthal wrote. “If the Brewers fail to contend, they could move Burnes at this year’s deadline and receive a comparable or perhaps even better return.”

The Brewers’ decision to trade Hader ahead of free agency seems like a mistake in retrospect. The electric reliever made a deep playoff run with the San Diego Padres that season and continues to be one of the best closers in baseball, while the players sent back to Milwaukee have yet to demonstrate comparable value.

And holding onto Burnes (10-8, 3.39 ERA in 2023) would help the Brewers retain Major League Baseball’s best team ERA as they seek to repeat as National League Central champions. Plus, the right-hander is projected to make more than $14 million in 2024, his final year of arbitration before hitting unrestricted free agency in 2025. Competing teams might not be willing to give up much for what could be a one-year rental.

During a recent appearance on “Foul Territory,” Burnes himself seemed to hint that he’d be unwilling to sign an extension with any team before hitting free agency.

“You know, obviously, every guy that gets this close to free agency wants to test the market and see what your true dollar amount is and what teams are really in on you,” he said. “Being able to choose where you want to go, I think that’s the one thing that every player in their career wants to get to.”