The Baltimore Orioles made a major splash in the offseason by acquiring former Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers. This trade, which sent shockwaves throughout Major League Baseball, instantly bolstered the Orioles’ starting rotation and signaled their intent to compete for a championship.
The Trade Details
Baltimore sent left-handed pitcher DL Hall, infielder Joey Ortiz, and a competitive balance Round A draft pick to the Brewers in exchange for Burnes. The 29-year-old right-hander is entering the final year of his contract and is set to earn $15.6 million in 2024 before hitting free agency. The Orioles, known for their young, dynamic core, have now added a legitimate ace to anchor their rotation.
Who is Corbin Burnes?
Burnes has been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball over the last several seasons. He won the National League Cy Young Award in 2021 after posting an elite 2.43 ERA with 234 strikeouts in just 167 innings. He followed that performance with two more stellar seasons, maintaining an ERA below 3.40 and continuing to be a workhorse for the Brewers.
In 2023, Burnes compiled a 10-8 record with a 3.39 ERA over 193.2 innings, striking out 200 batters. His ability to generate swings and misses, coupled with his elite cutter, makes him one of the most formidable pitchers in the league. His presence at the top of Baltimore’s rotation immediately elevates the team’s pitching staff.
What This Means for the Orioles
The Orioles have been building one of the best young teams in baseball, led by rising stars such as Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Grayson Rodriguez. However, their one major weakness has been the lack of an established ace in their rotation.
By acquiring Burnes, the Orioles now have a proven, frontline starter who can take the mound in key games, particularly in the postseason. He will provide stability and leadership for a rotation that also features young talents like Kyle Bradish and Rodriguez.
This move also represents a shift in Baltimore’s approach. Historically, the Orioles have been hesitant to make major acquisitions, but with new ownership coming in—billionaire David Rubenstein recently reached an agreement to purchase a controlling stake in the team—the organization appears willing to invest in championship-level talent.
How the Brewers Benefit
For Milwaukee, this trade signals a slight step back as they transition to a younger core. They received DL Hall, a promising left-handed pitcher with high strikeout potential, and Joey Ortiz, a versatile infielder who was one of Baltimore’s top prospects.
While losing Burnes is a significant blow to the Brewers, the return package provides future value. Hall could develop into a mid-rotation starter or high-leverage reliever, and Ortiz brings much-needed infield depth to a team looking to retool.
What’s Next?
With Burnes in the fold, the Orioles are now legitimate contenders in the American League. If they continue to add pieces, particularly another starter or bullpen arm, they could make a deep postseason run in 2024.