To put it simply: Most teams would benefit from having a player like Corbin Burnes in their rotation.

The right-handed pitcher has consistently delivered quality performances over the last four seasons, claiming a National League Cy Young Award, making between 28 to 33 starts each year, and logging over 190 innings in three of those seasons.

And he is now up for grabs.

Following a trade to the Baltimore Orioles, where he continued his elite performance with a 2.92 ERA while helping the team secure 90 wins, Burnes has become the most sought-after pitcher in free agency. Nearly every team could use his skills and afford his contract; however, some franchises may be a better match for the 6-foot-3, 30-year-old whose cut fastball is especially tough for hitters to connect with.

Here’s a look at the teams that could be the best fits for Burnes:

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Los Angeles Dodgers

They’re a necessary contender for Burnes. His recent tweet showing interest in the Dodgers following their World Series win hints that the Bakersfield native may be eager to join them.

The Dodgers have the financial means to sign him, but it raises questions about how they would integrate him into their rotation given their existing pitchers. With projected starters like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani, uncertainties linger regarding Glasnow’s recovery from elbow issues and Ohtani’s comeback after a second Tommy John surgery.

Further doubts include whether Walker Buehler will return and if Clayton Kershaw can manage 25 starts in what could be his last season. There’s also the potential for recovery from injuries among players like Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, and the unpredictable Bobby Miller.

Thus, it’s easy to see how the Dodgers might be tempted to invest in Burnes.

Baltimore Orioles

Current signs indicate that the Orioles are ready to make significant investments this offseason.

With new owner David Rubenstein stating his intention to be more active in the market and Scott Boras’ humorous remarks during GM meetings, Baltimore seems set to shake off nearly two decades of quietness in acquiring major free agents.

Would their previous connection with Burnes give them an edge?

Considering Boras is his agent, it’s likely that financial terms will be central to Burnes’ decision. However, Burnes had an impressive outing in Baltimore, achieving a 2.92 ERA, marking his lowest since the outstanding 2.43 in his Cy Young 2021 season. While he allowed 1.0 home run per nine innings, he limited the number of extra-base hits to just 22 in 17 starts at Camden Yards.

Though the Orioles have changed their pitching director, coach Drew French remains, and GM Mike Elias has fostered an environment where players can thrive. Realistically, the team may be eyeing lefty Max Fried or power hitter Teoscar Hernández instead of Burnes.

Nevertheless, Burnes has performed remarkably in Baltimore, which might influence his choice.

New York Mets

Financially, they should be able to afford him.

Even though baseball operations president David Stearns aims for sustainable team building, he understands Burnes’ value to a pitching staff from his time in Milwaukee and the challenges of developing young pitchers. Additionally, the Mets experienced the difficulties of seeking production from veteran pitchers like Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana, and Luis Severino, which led to a narrow playoff miss last year.

With top prospect Christian Scott sidelined due to shoulder surgery and ace Kodai Senga coming off an abbreviated season, the Mets are in urgent need of innings, especially to maximize Francisco Lindor’s prime years. Owner Steve Cohen likely still has some funds left after chasing Juan Soto and might be more compelled to invest significantly in Burnes compared to the more traditional powerhouses like the Dodgers and Yankees.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers were one of the most interesting teams from August 1 until they exited the playoffs in a thrilling five-game AL Division Series. Imagine how much stronger they could be with a right-handed partner for Tarik Skubal in a playoff race.

Despite challenges from local TV contract uncertainties affecting many mid-market teams, the Tigers have only one significant contract—Javy Baez’s $140 million deal, which expires after 2027. While they won’t spend like in the past under Mike Ilitch, they are in a strong position financially.

Addressing other needs such as corner infielders remains a priority, but Comerica Park offers a solid foundation to develop strong pitching and solid defense. Pairing Skubal, likely to be the AL Cy Young winner, with Burnes would create an outstanding 1-2 punch.

Additionally, signing Burnes would also ensure backup in case of Skubal’s potential departure after two seasons, while also providing an opportunity to negotiate with Skubal’s agent—who happens to be Boras as well.

San Francisco Giants

Eventually, the Giants might understand that their efforts to recruit top-tier hitters to China Basin have been a futile struggle. Over the last eight years, stars like Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Shohei Ohtani have come close but ultimately declined the offer.

So, what could the Giants provide Burnes?

An opportunity to team up with Logan Webb and potentially Blake Snell in the pitching lineup. Defensively strong players, including Gold Glove winners Matt Chapman at third base and Patrick Bailey catching. Additionally, with a relatively stable TV situation and a significant financial advantage throughout the Bay Area, they have a lot of resources to invest.

Similar to the Tigers, this strategy involves leveraging their strengths and embracing their identity. Oracle Park is known as the hardest stadium in the majors for hitters to hit home runs, with only three parks being more favorable for pitchers overall. It appears Burnes would consistently be a strong contender for yet another NL Cy Young trophy.

Chicago Cubs

This is all based on the assumption that the Cubs aim to be more than just a mixed-use development that plays baseball.

However, simply signing Juan Soto would signal that the Cubs are genuinely focused on winning rather than merely adding another star to their lineup. They need a solid right-handed pitcher to complement the impressive skills of Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele.

Considering their market size and income resources compared to fellow NL Central teams, it’s somewhat embarrassing that the Cubs haven’t secured a division title since 2017. They recruited Craig Counsell from Milwaukee to help improve their performance in subtle ways.

Acquiring the Brewers’ former star pitcher would provide a more definitive shift in the competitive balance in their favor.