MLB Rumors: Cubs panic, Brewers switch lanes, Reds trade targets
By Mark Powell
MLB Rumors: Brewers have a change of heart with Corbin Burnes
Corbin Burnes and the Milwaukee Brewers front office did not get along prior to the season, as the pitcher’s arbitration talks got heated. This led to trade rumors involving the Milwaukee ace, which only grew in anticipation leading up to July and the All-Star Break.
Yet, in all of this chaos, the Brewers keep winning. They entered the day tied with the Cincinnati Reds for first place in the NL Central. Per Burnes himself, Milwaukee’s front office made it very clear that they don’t intend on trading him prior to the deadline.
“He said he’s (GM Matt Arnold) not trading me,” said Burnes. “They’re looking to add some pieces. Obviously the market we’re in, they’re going to do it responsibly and not trade off the farm system for one guy for two months. They obviously don’t tell us names of what they’re looking for or positions they’re looking for, but just knowing that hey, we’re not going to trade me, we’re not going to trade anyone that would put a huge dent in the team.”
Despite trading closer Josh Hader to the Padres in a similar position just last season, Arnold and Milwaukee have no intent on tearing down what they have built. Doing so would cause an uproar in the Brewers fanbase, as Burnes is a homegrown ace and a good one at that.
He has one more arbitration year left on his current contract, which should make for another awkward series of negotiations should Milwaukee fail to sign him to a long-term contract this winter.