Brewers GM Matt Arnold - Photo by MLB.com
MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) – Milwaukee Brewers GM Matt Arnold spoke to the media on Tuesday about the Brewers 2023 season and what could be in store for the franchise this off-season.
One of the main topics during the press conference was the future of star pitcher Corbin Burnes, who will be entering the final year of his contract with the Brewers after next season. “We’ll see how it plays out over the course of the offseason, but I would expect him to be here next year,” Arnold said. “We can never close the door on any conversations, as you guys know. That’s just the reality of where we are, but we know that he is a very, very valuable member of our franchise.”
According to JS Online, Burnes has started 102 games for the Brewers since the 2020 season began, thrown 622 1/3 innings, and posted an ERA of 2.86, placing him in the top five in baseball in the latter two categories.
“Corbin means a ton to what we’ve done here,” Arnold continued. “He’s been a warrior on the mound. He’s the guy we wanted on the mound in Game 1. He’s been the guy that we want on the mound in big games. I’m thrilled that he’s here.”
MLB insiders believe teams such as the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to be the top destinations for Burnes if he were to leave Milwaukee. The San Diego Padres are also expected to pursue him.
Arnold also weighed in on the future of manager Craig Counsell, as his deal officially ends at the end of October. Counsell told owner Mark Attanasio that he wanted to wait until the end of the season before talking about a possible extension. However, with former Brewers GM David Stearns now in New York and with manager Buck Showalter no longer with the team, the Mets are expected to meet with Counsell about a possible deal.
“I’m excited about having those conversations with him and looking forward to hopefully having some news for you guys soon, if possible,” Arnold said. “Either way, we’re going to be prepared to have a manager next year, if it’s not Craig. But I want to keep every line open for communication here as much as we can because he’s our top choice here for sure.”
The MLB Winter Meetings begin on December 4th, and the Brewers are expected to be in the mix as trade talks and free-agent decisions are made throughout the week.
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