Diamondbacks owner throws shade at Cubs fans after Corbin Burns signing

Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick isn’t afraid to share his opinion, especially with Corbin Burnes and the Chicago Cubs fan base. After Burns agreed to a shocking $210 million contract with the Diamondbacksmany were surprised that he chose Arizona over other places.

He could have taken more money to play for the San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox or Toronto Blue Jays. With Burns’ positive comments about Arizona and his family living in the Valley, there were more than a few reasons for him to sign. However, Kendrick took the opportunity to throw some shade at other teams.

“Our fans in this community support winning teams,” Kendrick said, via USA Today’s Bob Nightengall. “They don’t necessarily work like maybe Chicago Cubs fans — no disrespect.” They support their team no matter what.

“They have a history of winning in Arizona. We will continue to try to build revenue and reinvest it in the quality we put on the field.”

The Cubs had a a great chance to throw a free agent in December. They had cap space and they could. However, they didn’t swing for the fences, which led to Burns signing with Arizona.

Corbin Burns in the Diamondbacks does not surprise Ken Kendrick

The owner has been more practical over the past few seasons. Since hiring general manager Mike Hazen and manager Torey Lowell, the franchise has found consistency. They made the playoffs twice, including a trip to the World Series in 2023. Although they lost to the Texas Rangers, the emphasis on the franchise was noticeable.

For example, Kendrick was instrumental in the Diamondbacks signing Georgeann Montgomery. However, that move did not end well for anyone. He’s had a terrible season, the one he’s in The owner of the Diamondbacks destroyed Montgomeryafter they missed the playoffs. Now, it’s a chance to make amends for a disreputable move.

Burns brings a legitimate No. 1 option to the starting rotation. While Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly are great pitchers in their own right, Burnes offers that clear, premium option. That takes the pressure off Gallen and Kelly and will help these two dominate. As Burns wrapped up his introductory press conference, he made it clear what his mission was.

Bringing the World Series back to Phoenix.

The rebuild is underway for Arizona. After losing Christian Walker to the Houston Astros, they traded for Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor. Those additions and a consistent culture could return the Diamondbacks to the very top of the playoffs and possibly the World Series.