The Baltimore Orioles face a challenging offseason dilemma with Corbin Burnes potentially slipping through their fingers after just one season.
The ace pitcher, acquired in a bold trade last winter, was expected to be the key to ending the Orioles’ playoff drought. However, despite his stellar performance in 2024, the team failed to advance past the postseason’s opening round, marking a decade of playoff futility.
Now, Burnes is set to become the most coveted arm in free agency, and Baltimore’s chances of retaining him look increasingly bleak.
Losing Burnes to a divisional rival like the Yankees or Red Sox would be a nightmare scenario for the Orioles, forcing them to face their former ace 13 times a season.
Equally painful, though, would be Burnes joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, a move that not only strengthens the reigning World Series champions but also symbolizes a return to his California roots.
Nick Villano of FanSided highlights the Dodgers as a prime destination for Burnes, envisioning a revamped rotation featuring Burnes alongside Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and others.
Such an addition would bolster a Dodgers team that struggled with injuries and underperformance in their pitching staff during the playoffs. For Burnes, the move would offer a chance to contend for championships while playing close to home—a compelling combination.
For Baltimore, losing Burnes underscores the high stakes of their inability to capitalize on his presence. It would be another painful reminder of the challenges smaller-market teams face in both acquiring and retaining top-tier talent.
While a Burnes departure to the Dodgers might feel inevitable, it would leave the Orioles scrambling to rebuild a rotation capable of sustaining their recent success.
