Orioles’ Continued Push for Starting Pitching

The Baltimore Orioles’ efforts to upgrade their pitching staff have been evident in their approach to acquiring elite talent. For a team that has been in the process of rebuilding and developing young stars over the past few years, adding a proven ace like Burnes would have been a pivotal step towards becoming true contenders in the American League.

Since general manager Mike Elias took over the Orioles’ front office in 2018, there has been a strategic focus on developing a homegrown core while selectively targeting key pieces in the free-agent market or via trades to fortify specific weaknesses. The team’s offense has already become one of the most exciting in the league, boasting rising stars like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Cedric Mullins. However, one area the Orioles needed to address was starting pitching.

Burnes, who had established himself as one of the premier right-handers in Major League Baseball, would have complemented this offensive core perfectly. With a 2021 Cy Young Award and multiple years of stellar performance in Milwaukee, Burnes was seen as a potential game-changer who could anchor the Orioles’ rotation. The team knew that adding such a talent would elevate them to another level, providing stability and dominance on the mound.

After Burnes declined the Orioles’ qualifying offer in the 2024 offseason, many speculated that the team would pursue him aggressively on the free-agent market. The Orioles were not alone in their pursuit, as other teams like the Toronto Blue Jays were reportedly making a run for Burnes as well. Ultimately, however, Burnes’ decision to join the Arizona Diamondbacks, while perhaps surprising given the Orioles’ strong offer, seemed to come down to personal preferences rather than just financial considerations.

The Orioles’ Offer: Terms and Structure

Sources have revealed that the Orioles made Burnes a franchise-record offer, indicating their serious intentions to add him to the roster. Although the exact details of the offer remain under wraps, it was widely reported that Baltimore presented a contract that would have eclipsed the previous team-high in terms of both total value and annual salary. The offer reportedly included a seven-year deal worth around $250 million, surpassing the one made by the Diamondbacks by a considerable margin. However, Burnes ultimately chose to sign with Arizona, possibly due to the proximity to his offseason home, which played a significant role in his decision.

Despite the allure of playing for a contending team with a strong farm system and a promising future like the Orioles, Burnes’ personal ties to the southwestern United States likely outweighed the additional financial incentives offered by Baltimore. This serves as a reminder of how personal factors—family, lifestyle, and location—can often play a decisive role in a player’s career decisions, even when the financial benefits appear to favor a different team.

Corbin Burnes’ Career: A Closer Look

Burnes’ career has been nothing short of remarkable. After being drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016, Burnes quickly rose through the minor leagues and made his major league debut in 2018. However, it wasn’t until the 2020 season, when he posted a remarkable 2.11 ERA over 59 innings, that he truly began to turn heads. His dominant 2021 season, in which he won the NL Cy Young Award, cemented his place among the league’s elite pitchers.

Known for his dynamic fastball and devastating slider, Burnes is a pitcher who combines elite velocity with pinpoint control. His ability to rack up strikeouts while limiting walks and home runs made him one of the most sought-after arms in the game. He had established himself as a cornerstone for the Brewers’ pitching staff, but the team’s struggles to make a deep postseason run may have contributed to Burnes’ desire for a fresh start with a new team.

While Burnes continued to perform at an All-Star level in 2023, his 3.39 ERA and 200 strikeouts were indicative of his sustained excellence. His performance in the postseason, where he showcased his ability to pitch under pressure, only bolstered his reputation as one of the game’s top pitchers.

The Impact of Burnes’ Departure on the Orioles’ Roster

With Burnes heading to Arizona, the Orioles now face the challenge of finding a suitable replacement to anchor their starting rotation. The signing of Charlie Morton in early January 2025 is part of this response. While Morton, who has a wealth of postseason experience with the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves, is a solid addition to the team, he is not quite the same caliber as Burnes in his prime.

Morton’s veteran presence will be invaluable, especially with the Orioles’ young pitching staff, which includes prospects like Grayson Rodriguez and D.L. Hall. Morton’s ability to mentor these younger pitchers while providing stability in the rotation will be a crucial factor for the team. His experience and leadership in big moments could be exactly what the Orioles need to push themselves into true playoff contention.

Moreover, the team is still relying on pitchers like Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells to stay healthy and perform at a high level. Bradish, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency, while Means is returning from Tommy John surgery. Wells, a promising right-hander, will also be expected to step up in Burnes’ absence. The development of these pitchers will likely be one of the most important storylines for the Orioles as they look to stay competitive in a strong American League East division.

Orioles’ Outlook for 2025

Despite the disappointment of losing out on Burnes, the Orioles’ future remains bright. Their offensive depth is unquestioned, with the likes of Rutschman, Henderson, and Mullins leading the charge. Additionally, the team has one of the most talented farm systems in baseball, which could allow them to make further moves to bolster their pitching staff, whether through trades or player development.

As it stands, the Orioles remain a competitive team in the AL East, a division that features powerhouses like the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Tampa Bay Rays. The additions of veterans like Morton and the continued growth of their young players suggest that the team will remain in the hunt for playoff spots. However, questions around the rotation and the ability of younger pitchers to step up will likely define their season.

The Broader MLB Landscape

The Orioles’ pursuit of Burnes and the subsequent acquisition of Morton reflect a broader trend in MLB. Teams are increasingly prioritizing elite starting pitching in an effort to gain an edge in a league that is becoming more offensive-focused. The importance of having a true ace who can pitch deep into games and neutralize opposing offenses cannot be overstated. Teams like the Diamondbacks, who made a similar push for a high-caliber arm in the offseason, understand that a strong pitching staff is crucial for postseason success.

The Orioles’ decision to pivot after losing Burnes is also a testament to the team’s flexibility and commitment to improving where they can. While losing out on a top-tier pitcher is a blow, it’s clear that Baltimore is not one to rest on its laurels. The signing of Morton and the continued development of young talent ensure that the Orioles will remain competitive in the coming seasons.

A New Chapter for Both Teams

In the end, the decision of Corbin Burnes to sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks over the Baltimore Orioles may have been influenced by a combination of factors, both personal and professional. While Burnes’ departure is a blow to the Orioles’ pitching plans, it also highlights the fluid nature of MLB free agency, where teams must constantly adjust and find new ways to improve.

For the Orioles, the loss of Burnes does not signal the end of their competitive window; instead, it marks a new challenge to overcome. With an exciting young core and veteran leadership in the rotation, the Orioles remain a team to watch in the AL East. And as for Burnes, his decision to join the Diamondbacks will provide him with a new opportunity to thrive in a different environment, with a team that is on the rise.

In both cases, it’s clear that the future is bright, and the stakes for the 2025 season are higher than ever. For fans of the Orioles, the hope remains that the team can turn the disappointment of losing Burnes into fuel for a successful and deep playoff run.