The Baltimore Orioles have remained one of Major League Baseball's top teams in 2024. They lead the American League Wild Card race but are just a half-game behind the New York Yankees in the AL East.
A big reason for their success this year has been right-hander Corbin Burnes, who they acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers prior to the season.
Burnes is 12-5 with a 3.10 ERA in 25 starts and could win another Cy Young, becoming the eighth pitcher in Major League history to win the award in both the American and National Leagues. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com also believes the Orioles could keep him in free agency.
"Burnes has been everything the Orioles could have hoped for in 2024, giving Baltimore the workhorse ace it has been seeking," Feinsand wrote. "Burnes had no issue moving to the American League for the first time in his career."
Burnes has been everything the Orioles needed this year. Though they won 101 games last year and had the best record in the American League, they still lacked a true ace, and that flaw was exposed when they were swept in the ALDS by the eventual World Series champion Texas Rangers.
The 29-year-old right-hander will certainly command a hefty price, but that doesn't mean the Orioles won't be able to keep him. In fact, making that their top priority this offseason would be wise.
Baltimore needs to have an ace long term, and Burnes perfectly fits the mold of what they need. In addition to his 12 wins, he has tossed 153 2/3 innings, punched out 144 batters, and posted a 1.11 WHIP.
We'll see how his market develops, but Baltimore should certainly be in the mix to try and keep him around for 2025 and beyond.
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