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Milwaukee Brewers: Corbin Burnes finally getting deserved recognition

By David Hill

Apr 20, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Corbin Burnes had a very quiet breakout season in 2020. After a rough 2019 campaign that saw him struggle in both Triple-A and the majors, he emerged as the surprising ace for the Milwaukee Brewers last year. However, his impressive season did not receive a great deal of recognition, as he finished sixth in the NL Cy Young award despite a 2.11 ERA and a 1.022 WHiP while striking out 13.3 batters per nine innings.

This year, he has been even better. Burnes leads the National League in ERA, WHiP, and strikeouts. His strikeout rate, coupled with his walk rate, has started to grab attention, putting the spotlight squarely on Burners.

Corbin Burnes has become an ace for the Milwaukee Brewers

Through four starts and 24.1 innings, Burnes has posted a 0.37 ERA and a 0.329 WHiP, allowing just one run on eight hits. He has yet to issue a walk while striking out 40 batters. The list of pitchers who have started a season with 40+ strikeouts and zero walks in major league history? Corbin Burnes.

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While Jacob deGrom is regarded as the best pitcher in baseball these days, Burnes has arguably outpitched him since the start of the 2020 season. In that time, deGrom has posted a 1.94 ERA and a 0.898 WHiP, striking out 139 batters with 21 walks in 88 innings. Meanwhile, Burnes has a 1.61 ERA and a 0.821 WHiP, striking out 128 batters with 21 walks in his 84 innings. The two have been much closer in regards to production than anyone would have expected.

Even though Burnes has essentially been the same pitcher, deGrom has received far more attention for his performance. Perhaps this is due to their markets – Milwaukee is not nearly the media hub that New York City is. Burnes also does not have the track record, nor the accolades, of the Mets ace.

But that does not mean Burnes will not get there. He is now 26 years old, the same age deGrom was when he broke into the majors. If he continues to dominate as he has thus far in 2021, he will be a part of his first All Star Game and receive serious consideration for the Cy Young award. But he needs to keep this performance going.

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The Milwaukee Brewers have found an ace in Corbin Burnes. He is finally starting to receive the recognition that he deserves.

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