The Baltimore Orioles have made a bold move by acquiring All-Star right-hander Corbin Burnes, further solidifying their aim to remain competitive after an impressive 2023 season. With general manager Mike Elias committed to keeping the team's 'foot on the gas pedal,' this trade serves as a clear message to both their fans and the rest of baseball.
Burnes, who won the National League Cy Young Award in 2021 and has consistently performed well, leaves behind a successful Milwaukee Brewers team to join the Orioles, who clinched the AL East title last season. Elias expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating that Burnes is exactly what the team needed. The Orioles had been actively pursuing him throughout the offseason, underscoring his importance on their wish list.
By adding Burnes to their rotation alongside promising young starters Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish, the Orioles have bolstered their pitching staff significantly. Burnes' presence further strengthens a rotation that already showed promise towards the end of the 2023 campaign. With a deep pool of prospects at their disposal, Baltimore has positioned themselves for a sustained period of contention.
The Orioles have set two clear paths to solidify their status as a heavyweight in the American League. First, they could raise their payroll by signing their young stars, such as catcher Adley Rutschman and infielder Gunnar Henderson, to long-term contracts or by adding veteran free agents to their currently inexpensive roster. Second, they could utilize their surplus of prospects to acquire veteran stars who address positions of need.
The pending sale of the team, recently announced, might facilitate the Orioles' ability to pursue the first option. Additionally, the trade for Burnes exemplifies the impact they can make by pursuing the second option. In exchange for Burnes, Baltimore sent infielder Joey Ortiz, who performed well in Triple-A last year, and left-hander DL Hall to the Brewers. While Ortiz could be valuable to Milwaukee, the Orioles have highly-regarded prospects in shortstop Jackson Holliday and infielder Gunnar Henderson who likely would have impeded Ortiz's path to regular playing time in Baltimore.
Moreover, the Orioles included a competitive balance draft pick in the deal, a move that could potentially be offset if Burnes decides to explore free agency after the 2024 season. Despite this, the acquisition of Burnes still represents a significant coup for the Orioles.
The only obvious concern about this trade from Baltimore's perspective is Burnes' expiring contract. However, the pitcher himself expressed his desire to focus on winning games once the season kicks off. With a strong pitching rotation already in place, the Orioles' front office has demonstrated its ability to pull off major trades for proven stars. Elias emphasized that Burnes was their top choice from a talent perspective, and the trade showcases the organizational firepower they possess in their farm system to make such impactful moves.
Overall, the addition of Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles serves as a statement of intent from the team's front office. With a foundation of exceptional young talent and a commitment to making key acquisitions, the Orioles are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the American League. Only time will tell if their strategy pays off, but their proactive approach bodes well for their future success.
