Corbin Burnes Eyes Dodgers as Division Rival in 2025 MLB Season

PHOENIX, Arizona — Corbin Burnes, the star pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, expressed mixed feelings about the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of the 2025 Major League Baseball season. Speaking with USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Burnes acknowledged the Dodgers’ success in the league but lamented their presence in the National League West.

Burnes, a newly signed ace for the Diamondbacks, highlighted the Dodgers’ investments in their roster as beneficial for the league. ‘As a player that wants everyone in this game to make as much money as they can, you want teams like that,’ Burnes said. ‘They go out and win. They make money, and then they turn around and they give it to their players. It’s always refreshing to see an ownership group that wants to put the money they’re making back into the team.’

With the Dodgers winning the National League West title 11 times in the last 12 seasons, Burnes’ observations reveal the challenges facing the Diamondbacks. He noted, ‘The Dodgers obviously have done well the last couple of years and put the money back into the team and got a World Series. So, it’s good to see, I just wish they weren’t in our division.’

Last season, the Diamondbacks recorded 89 wins but missed the playoffs, falling short in tiebreakers against the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves. Despite boasting the best offense in baseball, averaging nearly 5.5 runs per game, the team struggled with pitching.

Burnes, who joined the Diamondbacks to bolster their rotation, could be the solution they need to outperform the Dodgers. ‘It’s always tough having a top team in your division, but our focus is on improving and heading into every game with a winning mentality,’ he stated.

While the Dodgers are a formidable opponent, recent rule changes allow for three Wild Card spots, giving teams like the Diamondbacks hope for playoff contention. With the upcoming season, the Diamondbacks aim to start strong and challenge the Dodgers for the division title.

This Opening Day, Burnes will make his Arizona debut against the Chicago Cubs at 7:10 p.m. Pacific Time, providing an opportunity for the Diamondbacks to set the tone for the season. He remarked, ‘Every game counts, and starting off strong can build momentum for us.’

As the MLB season stretches ahead, the rivalry between the Diamondbacks and the Dodgers is expected to heat up, with Burnes keenly aware of the obstacles they will face. The first test comes against the Cubs, who were competitive in last year’s playoffs, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling season.