The Baltimore Orioles are eager to re-sign right-hander Corbin Burnes, a move that could extend their World Series contention if accompanied by other strategic decisions. Burnes, anticipated to be the highest-paid pitcher available this offseason, has seen his market value soar in light of recent lucrative deals for other starting pitchers.
Initially, Burnes was projected to secure a contract in the range of $200 million during the upcoming offseason. However, current estimates suggest he could command a deal closer to $250 million, positioning him among the elite contracts in Major League Baseball. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Burnes and another Orioles target, Max Fried, have benefited from the rising demand for top-tier pitching, which has driven up their potential value.
While Baltimore is keen on retaining Burnes, they face stiff competition, including from rivals like the New York Yankees. After losing Juan Soto, the Yankees have significant financial flexibility and a clear need to bolster their roster. If Burnes were to sign with New York, it would not only deprive Baltimore of their ace but also pose a significant threat in divisional matchups, potentially jeopardizing the Orioles’ playoff aspirations.
Burnes’ preference regarding market size remains uncertain, but many of the teams pursuing him are in major markets, suggesting he could end up in a larger city if he does not stay in Baltimore. The Orioles must act decisively to retain Burnes and capitalize on their current competitive window.
