The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant move to bolster their pitching staff by acquiring All-Star right-hander Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers. In exchange for Burnes, the Orioles sent left-hander DL Hall, infield prospect Joey Ortiz, and a competitive balance draft pick to Milwaukee. This blockbuster trade signifies a shift in strategy for the Orioles, who have been relatively quiet in the offseason but aim to strengthen their pitching as they defend their AL East championship.
The Orioles have built a promising core of young position players, but their pitching staff has been a lingering question mark. With Burnes joining the rotation, the team hopes to solidify their chances of sustaining success in the competitive American League. Burnes, who just turned 29 in October, had an impressive season in 2023 with a 10-8 record and a 3.39 ERA. In the three previous seasons, he consistently maintained an ERA under 3.00, including a standout performance in 2021 with an 11-5 record and a 2.43 ERA.
The acquisition of Burnes comes at a crucial time for the Orioles, as the team recently announced that David Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group, would become their new controlling owner. This ownership change opens up possibilities for increased spending and future investment in the team.
While Burnes is only under contract for one more season and will become a free agent thereafter, the Orioles were willing to make this move to strengthen their pitching rotation immediately. Brewers' General Manager Matt Arnold acknowledged the difficulty of trading a player like Burnes but expressed excitement about the players they received in return. DL Hall, a first-round pick in 2017, showed promise last season with a 3-0 record and a 3.26 ERA. Joey Ortiz, ranked as the 63rd prospect by MLB Pipeline, demonstrated his potential with a .321 batting average at Triple-A and limited appearances in the majors.
This trade underscores the Orioles' commitment to their competitive window and dispels any notion of a full rebuild. The team views this move as beneficial both in the present and future. Alongside Burnes, the Orioles already possess young talents like Gunnar Henderson, last year's AL Rookie of the Year, and the highly anticipated arrival of Jackson Holliday, baseball's top-ranked prospect. The pitching side of the Orioles' roster now has more stability, complementing their strong position-player depth.
On the other side of the trade, the Brewers have parted ways with Burnes and previously non-tendered Brandon Woodruff, who remains a free agent. These departures mean that Freddy Peralta will lead the Brewers' rotation, with Wade Miley and Colin Rea also returning. Left-hander Aaron Ashby, who missed the entire 2023 season due to a shoulder injury, is expected to return, while Robert Gasser, acquired in the trade that sent closer Josh Hader to San Diego, could compete for a rotation spot after an impressive season in Triple-A.
The trade between the Orioles and Brewers has implications for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season. The Orioles hope that Burnes can be a reliable ace and a guiding presence for their young pitching staff. Meanwhile, the Brewers will have to rely on their remaining rotation pieces and the potential emergence of promising prospects to maintain their success in the NL Central.
Overall, this trade signifies a shift in strategy for the Orioles, who appear determined to compete at a high level while embracing their young talent. While Burnes' impending free agency raises some uncertainty about his long-term commitment to Baltimore, the team remains optimistic about their chances of sustained success with their bolstered pitching staff.
