How The Orioles-Brewers Winter Blockbuster Is Working Out

In February, the Baltimore Orioles swung a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers for ace Corbin Burnes. Let’s look at how the trade has worked out for both teams. Back on February 1, the Orioles and Brewers made a trade that sent shockwaves through MLB. The Orioles acquired the 2021 Cy Young award winner Burnes, while just giving up two neophytes: DL Hall and Joey Ortiz. The young up-and-coming Orioles were now getting a star pitcher to headline their rotation, and the price barely made a dent in their loaded farm system. This poised the Orioles as prime World Series contenders in 2024. For the Brewers, it meant they did not want to have to pay Burnes, who is a free agent after the 2024 season. Instead, they opted for two former top 100 prospects, Hall and Ortiz, who they think can be big-time contributors to their young team.

Breaking Down the Corbin Burnes Trade

The Orioles Have Their Ace

After the Orioles’ disappointing playoff performance in 2023, it was clear a change to the rotation had to be made. In Games 2 and 3 of last year’s ALDS against the Texas Rangers, the Orioles pitching staff game up 18 runs combined. This offseason, the Orioles front office worked tirelessly for an upgrade to their pitching staff, until they got their guy: Corbin Burnes.

Burnes immediately slotted in as the number 1 guy for the Orioles, and he has been almost better than advertised. Amazingly, Burnes has not allowed more than 3 runs in any of his first 10 starts with the Orioles.

Corbin Burnes hasn’t allowed more than three runs in any of his first 10 starts as an Oriole. He has a 2.56 ERA.