The starting pitching market is very top-heavy in this offseason’s free agency class. Elite pitchers such as Blake Snell, Max Fried, and Corbin Burnes are all unrestricted free agents with the ability to sign anywhere they would like. But it’s Burnes that many regard as the ace of the class. Burnes, a four-time All-Star, made 32 starts last season with the Orioles. The right-hander posted a 2.92 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP in 194 1/3 innings. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel projects Burnes to land a deal worth north of $200 million this offseason. The Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets are two teams that remain heavily connected.

“This is a typical deal in which the team that signs him will be hoping to win the first half of the contract, ideally with deep playoff runs and a ring, then wishing for health on the back half of the contract — but Burnes does appear to be aging better than the average nine-figure pitcher,” McDaniel wrote. “He’s widely expected to clear $200 million with Stephen Strasburg’s $245 million deal, which included significant deferrals, before the 2020 season (also represented by Scott Boras, like Burnes is) as the stretch goal.” Both the Red Sox and the Mets will be heavily involved in the negotiations that result in Burnes netting over $200 million in free agency.

Boston needs to add an ace ahead of Tanner Houck. Their lineup is solid, but moves will be made in free agency to improve. Steve Cohen and the Mets will be aggressive for every top free agent, including Burnes this offseason.