/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73813703/2147732418.0.jpg)
Corbin Burnes Will Not Be Joining the Orioles in 2025: A Big Move to the Diamondbacks
The Orioles' pursuit of ace pitcher Corbin Burnes for the 2025 season has come to an abrupt end. Over the past year, Burnes made a major impact in Baltimore after a trade brought him from the Milwaukee Brewers. However, despite strong performances that helped stabilize the Orioles' rotation, it was always clear that his free-agent market would likely be out of the team’s reach. And now, it’s official: Burnes has agreed to a six-year, $210 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, effectively closing the door on any chance of a reunion between him and Baltimore.
This signing, reported by Jon Heyman, is a significant move in both the pitching and financial landscapes of the MLB. With an opt-out clause after two seasons, Burnes’ contract is a major commitment for the Diamondbacks, marking the largest deal in the franchise’s history. While the Orioles’ front office, led by Mike Elias, had made it known that they weren’t keen on splashing big money on pitchers, the timing of this decision comes as a reminder of the challenges small-market teams face when competing for top-tier talent.
Also Read:- Man City Faces Challenge to Keep Wonderkid James McAtee as Premier League Rivals Eye January Move
- Tsitsipas Eyes Fresh Start Ahead of 2025, Reflects on Australian Open Heartbreak
Corbin Burnes is no stranger to big moments, having won the 2021 Cy Young Award. His consistency over the past five seasons has earned him a reputation as one of MLB's premier pitchers, ranking near the top in numerous statistical categories like ERA, strikeouts, and innings pitched. Despite concerns that Burnes may be showing signs of decline—particularly with a decrease in his strikeout rate and a rise in contact made against his pitches—he remains a valuable asset. Even with a slight downturn, Burnes is expected to continue delivering elite results, making him a great addition to the Diamondbacks’ already solid rotation.
The timing of Burnes’ decision is a bit of a surprise given the competition in the NL West and Arizona’s relatively unexpected emergence as a major player in the pitching market. After an 89-win season that just missed the playoffs in 2024, the Diamondbacks are clearly looking to bolster their pitching staff, with Burnes joining Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly to form a formidable trio. This aggressive move, despite the financial challenges many teams face, is a clear signal that Arizona is serious about competing for a postseason spot.
For the Orioles, this decision underscores the larger picture that Elias and his front office team have always painted: while the Orioles are willing to be aggressive in trades and acquisitions, they are not inclined to overspend on aging pitchers, particularly when they have other promising arms in-house. Baltimore’s trade for Zach Eflin and Trevor Rogers last summer showed their investment in future pitching, and with Kyle Bradish expected to return to full health in 2025, the need for an ace like Burnes might not have been as urgent.
Burnes’ departure isn’t just a blow to the Orioles’ offseason plans; it also raises questions about the future of their rotation. While there are still other pitchers available in the market, such as Dylan Cease and Framber Valdez, the Orioles now have to look elsewhere for a dependable starter who could elevate the team’s postseason chances. For Burnes, however, the move to Arizona provides not only a massive financial windfall but also the opportunity to play for his hometown team, which adds an interesting personal element to the decision.
As the Orioles look ahead, it’s clear they’ll need to continue their search for rotation help, while Burnes begins his new chapter with the Diamondbacks. For now, Baltimore will have to regroup and focus on its strengths while considering new options to bolster its pitching staff for a successful 2025 campaign.
Read More:
0 Comments