Insider is fueling the Baltimore Orioles’ troubling rumors about Corbin Burnes’ departure from MLB free agency

The Baltimore Orioles paid a steep price last offseason to acquire starting pitcher Corbin Burnes, trading two of their best players to the Milwaukee Brewers for the All-Star pitcher. A year later, MLB rumors seem to indicate that Baltimore will lose Burnes for nothing in MLB free agency.

The Orioles knew the risks in February 2024 when they traded pitching prospect DL Hall and third baseman Joey Ortiz to Milwaukee in exchange for Burnes. While Baltimore bragged about the depth of the prospect of parting ways with Hall and Ortiz, the risk came when Burnes was playing on an expiring contract.

Related: Reporter reveals potential asking price for Corbin Burnes contract

• Corbin Burnes stats (ESPN): 2.92 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 15-9 record, 181 strikeouts in 194.1 innings

Burnes wanted to test the open market and the Orioles were willing to take that risk in hopes they could convince him to re-sign. The odds of keeping him increased when billionaire David Rubenstein became Orioles owner and promised to increase payroll and invest in a championship-caliber roster.

However, amid swirling MLB rumors about clubs like the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and New York Mets, it now seems unlikely that the Orioles will retain their trump card.

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Speaking to Bleacher Report, MLB insider Jon Heyman discussed why the Orioles could be in real risk of losing Burnes to a contender in MLB free agency.

“I think it’s probably a long shot, he’s probably going to get over $200 million. I think Burnes will probably go elsewhere. More likely a bigger market team than Baltimore.”

Jon Heyman on whether or not the Baltimore Orioles can re-sign Corbin Burnes

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• Corbin Burnes Career Stats (Baseball Reference): 3.19 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 4.14 K/BB, 11.0 K/9, 7.0 H/9

It would be a difficult outcome for the Orioles front office, especially if Burnes signs with another AL East team or even joins another World Series contender. He proved integral to Baltimore’s success last season, but contract demands could push him out of the club’s price range.

If that’s the case, the Orioles could pivot to starting pitcher Blake Snell or Max Fried. The potential savings could also allow Baltimore to spend at other positions, improving the roster’s depth and overall talent after the loss of Burnes. One thing is clear: Losing Burnes wouldn’t change the Orioles’ plan for spending this winter.

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