The Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants both had disappointing 2024 seasons, finishing below .500. Both teams are now eyeing Corbin Burnes to bolster their pitching rotations. While the Blue Jays have been aggressively pursuing top free agents like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto without success, the Giants face a more pressing need after losing Blake Snell. The addition of Burnes could significantly impact either team's chances of turning things around in 2025.

Evaluating the Giants' Rotation Potential

The Giants' starting rotation faces significant challenges heading into 2025. Despite Logan Webb's consistent performance as one of baseball's most reliable starters, the team must address the void left by Snell's departure. Robbie Ray, Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison, and Landen Roupp all bring potential but come with varying degrees of uncertainty. Webb's durability and effectiveness make him a cornerstone, but the rest of the rotation needs substantial improvement.

Logan Webb has quietly become a standout pitcher, leading the National League in innings pitched for two consecutive years. His 2024 season saw him post a 3.47 ERA and earn his first All-Star selection. Meanwhile, Robbie Ray's injury history raises concerns about his reliability despite his talent. Jordan Hicks, transitioning from relief to starting, showed promise but inconsistency. Kyle Harrison, a highly touted prospect, needs to prove himself at the major league level. Landen Roupp, a rookie in 2024, displayed impressive strikeout numbers and hit prevention in limited appearances, suggesting he could be a valuable addition to the rotation.

Blue Jays' Urgency for Burnes

The Blue Jays have struggled in free agency, re-signing only Yimi Garcia while missing out on multiple high-profile targets. This leaves them in a precarious position, especially with the core of Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. nearing the end of their prime window. Acquiring Burnes would provide a much-needed boost to their rotation and potentially solidify their contention hopes.

The Blue Jays' pursuit of top-tier free agents has not yielded the desired results so far. Their inability to land key players like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto has heightened the pressure on general manager Ross Atkins. With only Yimi Garcia signed, the team is banking on Burnes to fill a critical gap. The Giants, on the other hand, have already made significant moves by signing Willy Adames to a seven-year deal. However, the Blue Jays' urgency to capitalize on their core players' prime years makes Burnes an even more attractive option for them. Adding Burnes would not only strengthen their rotation but also signal a commitment to competing now rather than later.