Corbin Burnes Sent to Orioles for New, Young Talent
The Milwaukee Brewers have struck a deal, sending their former Cy Young Award-winner, Corbin Burnes, to the Orioles in exchange for league-ready talent and a draft pick.
After signing sought-after veteran Rhys Hoskins last week, there was speculation that the Brewers had every intention to try competing for a playoff spot in a relatively weak NL Central. However, on Feb. 1, that all took a quick turn when they shipped off their ace right-hander, Corbin Burnes, for the Baltimore Orioles’ sixth and seventh-best prospects and a draft pick. This decision, paired with the departure of former Manager Craig Counsell to the rival Cubs, leaves the 2024 Brewers in a tough position and is sure to leave a sour taste in fans’ mouths. While the package for Burnes could pan out into something great for the Brewers of the future, it is hard to see a world in which this does not turn into a rebuild.
Photo Credit: Morry Gash, AP Photo
That being said, Corbin Burnes's time with the Brewers was nearing its end anyway. Tensions had been simmering since last year's arbitration hearing, where Burnes received $600,000 less than his request, fueling speculation of an impending trade. With free agency on the horizon after the 2024 season, it became crucial for the Brewers to leverage their position and secure the best possible return for Burnes while they still had the chance. Seizing the moment, they found their opportunity with the Baltimore Orioles before the season started and didn't hesitate to take it.
The Orioles' trade package is certainly nothing to scoff at, and Brewers fans should watch Joey Ortiz and DL Hall closely. These two each have six years of team control ahead. Ortiz, a right-handed infielder known for his versatility, has made a significant mark since being selected in the fourth round of the 2019 draft. He debuted last season, and despite a modest .212 average in 15 major league games, his potential is clear. He has shown what he can do in triple-A by batting .321 and hitting nine home runs across 88 games. DL Hall, a left-handed pitcher, brings more experience with a 4.60 ERA over 33 big-league innings. While those numbers leave room for improvement, the Brewers' knack for pitching development makes Hall an intriguing prospect. Additionally, securing the Orioles' 34th overall pick in the 2024 draft further bolsters their future prospects.
Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton, USA Today Sports
For the Orioles, adding Burnes made all the sense in the world. Since 2017, they've been in a "rebuilding" phase, stockpiling young talent like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Grayson Rodriguez, and the exceptionally promising Jackson Holliday, among others. This wealth of emerging stars meant players like Ortiz and Hall were overshadowed in the farm system, prompting the Orioles to trade them for an established star. Burnes, despite a challenging season marked by injuries and disagreements, maintained a commendable 3.39 ERA over 193.2 innings, his "worst" since 2019. Yet, it speaks to his ability, often dominating at his peak and reliably covering innings even when off his game. Burnes is set to rejuvenate his career, joining forces with Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish in a rotation that could rank among baseball's elite. This move is part of the Orioles' broader strategy to blend this top-tier rotation with a vibrant young core and a reliable bullpen, setting their sights not just on standing out in the competitive AL East but also on chasing a World Series title for the first time in what feels like forever.
Photo Credit: Nick Cammett, The Baltimore Banner
The Brewers find themselves at a turning point, seemingly embarking on the kind of rebuild the Orioles have recently emerged from. Despite General Manager Matt Arnold's confidence in the team's immediate competitiveness, winning seems challenging with a young, inexperienced roster and a new manager at the helm. Speculation is growing around whether the Brewers will fully embrace this rebuild, possibly trading key players like shortstop Willy Adames and closer Devin Williams. Although the outlook might seem daunting, the future holds promise in Milwaukee. The signings, coupled with Jackson Chourio's landmark deal, could form the team's next foundational core. However, given the youth and lack of experience, Brewers fans may need to brace for a challenging season.
