The Baltimore Orioles are looking to duplicate the magic from last season. Even though they were bounced from the playoffs earlier than expected, the season was still one of the best in franchise history. The challenge of any great season is following it up the next year. The new owners made a huge trade days after acquiring the team. Baltimore is acquiring former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers.
Baltimore Orioles Acquire Corbin Burnes
Full trade, sources tell me and @kileymcd :
Baltimore receives: RHP Corbin Burnes
Milwaukee receives: IF Joey Ortiz, LHP D.L. Hall and the 34th pick in the 2024 draft
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 2, 2024
This shocked some, as many reports indicated the Brewers were not looking to move on from Burnes. However, it was unlikely the team could sign him long-term. According to MLB’s prospect rankings, the Brewers gained shortstop Joey Ortiz, #63 in the top 100. They also gain DL Hall, a young relief pitcher and the 34th pick in the 2024 draft.
The Baltimore Orioles get a true number-one starter for their rotation. There aren’t many questions about their hitting lineup, but the rotation had some questions. This is also a classic move from a new owner. We’ve seen it time and time again. New ownership comes in and makes a massive trade to compete immediately. We saw this in the NBA when new Phoenix Suns owner Matt Ishbia gave up a massive haul for Kevin Durant. What are the Baltimore Orioles getting?
What Are The Baltimore Orioles Getting?
Last season, Corbin Burnes had a 3.39 earned-run average with 200 strikeouts in 193.2 innings pitched. It was the 2021 season when he shined. He had 234 strikeouts in just 167.0 innings and maintained a 2.43 ERA, leading the league. He has finished in the top 10 of the Cy Young voting in the past four seasons. He has a 3.26 ERA with 870 strikeouts in 709.1 innings pitched (167 games).
It is a massive get for the Baltimore Orioles. Even if Burnes doesn’t win the Cy Young, he has been in the mix for the last four years. Giving up young talent hurts, but the Orioles do not lack young talent. They have six prospects in the top 100, so giving up one doesn’t hurt the franchise’s long-term outlook. This is the same for the draft pick. Overall, the Baltimore Orioles are getting a bonafide ace in Corbin Burnes, which is worth it no matter the price.
Did The Milwaukee Brewers Get Fleeced?
Initial reactions by Brewers fans on social media were not positive. However, it might have been the best they could do. Last season, the Brewers took Corbin Burnes to arbitration and won. Burnes earned $700,000 less because the franchise didn’t want to pay out. This was likely the moment when the bridge was burned. All reports indicate he would not re-sign with the team after the 2024 season.
Getting a top-100 prospect is never a bad thing. Hall is a promising young bullpen arm. The 34th pick in the 2024 draft could turn into Milwaukee’s next superstar. It was likely the best they could do given the situation. Still, it is tough on the fans dealing with the franchise repeatedly trading away their best players.
Baltimore Orioles Favorites In AL East?
The Baltimore Orioles are in a loaded division. In the offseason, New York acquired Juan Soto to add another bat to the lineup. Tampa Bay is always frisky, and the Blue Jays have made some savvy signings this offseason. Acquiring Corbin Burnes might put them into the World Series contender conversation.
To win in this league, you need pitching. While the Baltimore Orioles have a glut of hitting talent, they have been lacking in the pitching realm. Corbin Burnes gives them an ace who could propel them to a World Series championship.
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Matt has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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