This past winter, the Baltimore Orioles recognized the need to add a true ace to their pitching staff.
Kyle Bradish showed potential as an elite starter, and Grayson Rodriguez had some impressive moments, but the young duo struggled in the playoffs, leading to a swift exit in the NLDS.
To strengthen their rotation, the Orioles traded for Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers. While there was much celebration, the prospect of Burnes entering free agency loomed large.
Historically, Baltimore wouldn’t have considered offering a player a contract worth nearly $200 million, but with David Rubenstein now at the helm, there’s optimism that the billionaire owner will enable the team to compete financially with other Major League contenders.
If that’s the case, re-signing Burnes to a substantial deal to keep him with the team during their World Series window could be a priority.
Alternatively, they might pursue one of the league’s top pitchers, Blake Snell, who is expected to opt out of his contract with the San Francisco Giants after a strong finish to the season. With his second Cy Young Award in 2023, Snell is currently regarded as a more dominant pitcher than Burnes, making him a prime target for the Orioles if they are willing to invest.
Ultimately, the willingness of Rubenstein and his team to allocate funds for a high payroll will be crucial, especially with several young stars eligible for extensions and slugger Anthony Santander set to hit the market.
This winter will be pivotal for Baltimore, as they have a solid roster poised to take the next step toward being serious World Series contenders, but clear gaps still need to be addressed.
Acquiring Snell or another marquee free agent would undoubtedly help, but it all hinges on the financial commitment from the organization.
