Baltimore Orioles Acquire Former Cy Young Winner Corbin Burnes in Trade with Milwaukee Brewers

The Baltimore Orioles have made a major move to bolster their starting rotation, acquiring former Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers. The deal was confirmed by both teams on Thursday.

The Orioles, coming off a remarkable 101-win season and clinching the top seed in the American League, showed their commitment to further strengthening their roster. Burnes, a 29-year-old right-hander, had an impressive 2023 campaign with the Brewers, recording a 3.39 ERA, 200 strikeouts, and a 1.07 WHIP in 193.2 innings pitched across 32 starts.

In exchange for Burnes, the Brewers will receive infielder Ortiz, left-handed pitcher Hall, and the 34th pick in the upcoming 2024 MLB Draft. Ortiz, a 25-year-old infielder, has shown excellent potential and could provide immediate impact for the Brewers in their infield. Hall, a highly regarded prospect, has shown great promise and could be a valuable addition to Milwaukee’s pitching staff.

This trade comes as a surprise to many, as the Brewers had received trade offers for Burnes throughout the offseason but were expected to hold onto their Cy Young winner. However, the Orioles saw an opportunity to bolster their already talented rotation and seize the chance to acquire a top-tier pitcher like Burnes.

For Baltimore, this trade enhances an already strong pitching staff that features standout performers like Bundy and Means, who had fantastic second-half ERAs last season. Burnes will join a rotation that also includes promising pitchers like Kremer and Wells, providing the Orioles with a formidable starting unit.

The Orioles’ 101-win season marked a significant turning point for the franchise, and their ambition to contend for a championship continues to grow. The acquisition of Burnes adds to their already impressive roster and solidifies their status as serious contenders in the AL Central.

As for the Brewers, parting ways with Burnes was a difficult decision, given his exceptional performance and integral role in their recent success. General Manager Matt Arnold expressed gratitude for Burnes’ contributions and wished him the best moving forward.

This trade not only impacts both teams involved but also shifts the dynamics within their respective divisions. The Brewers, as the reigning NL Central champions, will rely on their young talent and the acquisition of promising prospect Ortiz to maintain their competitive edge.

With the upcoming 2024 MLB Draft, the Brewers will have an opportunity to further strengthen their roster by utilizing the No. 34 pick obtained in this trade. This pick holds significant value and can contribute to Milwaukee’s long-term success.

The Baltimore Orioles have made a bold statement with their acquisition of Corbin Burnes, solidifying their championship aspirations. This trade underscores the team’s commitment to building a strong foundation by acquiring top talent in the league.