Corbin Burnes and the Diamondbacks have agreed to a $210 million, six-year contract.
The 30-year-old Burnes was perhaps the top free agent pitcher on the market after going 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA for the Orioles last season, when he earned a $15,637,500 salary. The Orioles acquired Burnes in a February trade after he spent his first six MLB seasons with the Brewers.
It’s no shock Burnes landed a big contract, but the destination is a surprise. The Diamondbacks’ payroll usually ranks in the middle of the pack among big league teams, and this would be the largest contract in franchise history.
Boxing: Boxer Paul Bamba has died at the age of 35, his manager, Ne-Yo, announced Friday. The Puerto Rican fighter’s death comes less than a week after his last fight, a win over Rogelio Medina that saw him crowned WBA Gold Cruiserweight champ.
College football: UConn’s victory in the Fenway Bowl showed North Carolina coach-in-waiting Bill Belichick how much work he has ahead of him. Joe Fagnano threw for 151 yards and two touchdowns to help the Huskies beat the Tar Heels 27-14 at Fenway Park on Saturday, embarrassing Belichick’s new team in his old backyard. ... Dylan Raiola passed for 228 yards and a touchdown as Nebraska built an 18-point lead through three quarters and hung on to beat Boston College 20-15 Saturday for its first bowl victory since 2015.
NBA: The NBA suspended Mavericks forward Naji Marshall for four games and Suns center Jusuf Nurkic for three games for their roles in an on-court fight during Friday night’s game. Mavs forward P.J. Washington was suspended one game.
NFL: The Panthers placed their leading rusher Chuba Hubbard on injured reserve Saturday with a strained calf.