Corbin Burnes to the Orioles: What That Means for Both Teams

Photo Credits: Stacy Revere / Getty Images

On February 1st, the Baltimore Orioles announced that they traded for Brewers ace Corbin Burnes. Burnes, a 29-year-old right-handed starter, won the 2021 National League Cy Young award and has since been one of the best pitchers in the National League. Burnes has pitched to a career 3.26 ERA while averaging over 200 strikeouts in his past three seasons. In the trade, the Orioles gave up 25-year-old reliever D.L. Hall and their ninth-ranked prospect, utility man Joey Ortiz.

This is the first trade developed since news broke that the Angelos family was selling the team. In the past, the owners had a tough time drawing free agents to Baltimore due to running the team more cheaply. Fans of the Orioles hope this is a sign of better times to come for their team, who shined last season despite a young and inexperienced roster. Acquiring Burnes may hopefully draw other stars to the team, allowing for the perfect balance between veterans and young stars the team is yearning for.

Photo Credits: Benny Sieu / USA Today Sports

Looking Ahead for the Orioles 

After their lack of playoff success in 2023, the Orioles needed to make a splash in the pitching department. Since the beginning of the offseason, general manager Mike Elias had Burnes on the top of his wish list and had to battle several teams, including the Yankees, to get his gem. While the Yankees were unwilling to give up big prospect Spencer Jones, the Orioles were not against giving up one of their prospects, especially with the plethora they have been able to develop in recent years. Getting Burnes means finally having a quality ace on the staff, which Baltimore’s been longing for. While Kyle Bradish’s numbers last season were high quality, the team may wonder if he can repeat his breakout season. In a competitive division, the Orioles could not stand put, especially with the Yankees getting a superstar like Juan Soto. If the Orioles want to remain at the top of the standings, they need a quality rotation, and Corbin Burnes gives them the chance to win it all. 

Photo Credits: MLB.com

Looking Ahead for the Brewers

Since news of the trade broke, the Brewers signed Jakob Junis, a long reliever and starter. As of right now, Milwaukee is looking at a rotation with only two proven pitchers, Freddy Peralta and Wade Miley. Newly acquired pitcher D.L. Hall will take hold of the fifth rotation spot, even though he did not have any experience starting during his time in Baltimore. After having Burnes and Brandon Woodruff as the main anchors of the rotation for years, it looks like starting pitching might not be the strongest asset for the team this season. In a weak division, the Brewers still might have a chance to clinch a playoff berth, but they might have to do a little work before they can get there.

Photo Credits: Aaron Doster / Associated Press 

Looking Ahead for Corbin Burnes 

For many reasons, this move will prove to be career-changing for Burnes. In the American League East, he will face much tougher competition than in the National League Central. Among the tougher competition, Burnes gets the chance to prove himself as one of MLB’s best pitchers on a more consistent basis. Burnes is also moving to pitch in one of MLB’s most pitcher-friendly parks after their pushback of the left field wall in 2022. While winning CY Young will undoubtedly be harder among competition like Gerrit Cole and Luis Castillo, Burnes will still have the chance to headline a team destined for greatness while also continuing to pitch with conviction like he has his last few seasons.

Edited By: Sarah Muñoz 

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