In Major League Baseball (MLB), the intricate movements of players through trades and free agency are crucial for team success. For the Baltimore Orioles, a team emerging as a powerhouse in the American League, the acquisition of an ace starting pitcher would solidify their championship aspirations. Rumors have circulated that the Orioles could be eyeing a trade for Corbin Burnes, the Cy Young Award-winning ace for the Milwaukee Brewers. However, reports have also hinted at the possibility of a major acquisition involving a Dodgers star pitcher, who could be the answer to their rotation woes. This dynamic, linked to a star pitcher with a hefty $115 million contract, presents a fascinating case in the MLB offseason.
The Orioles’ Pitching Needs
The Orioles’ pitching staff has been a topic of focus over the last few seasons. Although their offense has been electric with stars like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, their rotation has often lacked the consistent dominance needed for a deep postseason run. The 2023 season showed glimpses of promise with pitchers like Kyle Bradish and Grayson Rodriguez, but their lack of experience and reliability in high-leverage moments could have been exposed in a playoff series against top-tier teams like the Houston Astros or the Atlanta Braves.
Burnes, the Brewers’ ace, has been a key name in trade talks for multiple teams looking to add an established frontline starter. Having won the 2021 NL Cy Young Award, Burnes has proven himself to be among the best in baseball, with a devastating combination of a fastball, curveball, and slider that dominates hitters. Burnes is due to become a free agent after the 2024 season, and the Brewers, in a small-market situation, have been rumored to be looking to trade him before he hits the open market in a bid to get some value in return. For the Orioles, adding Burnes would give them a proven ace to help anchor their young rotation, and his playoff experience would be invaluable in October.
However, another potential target could be the $115 million star from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Dodgers’ $115 Million Star
The Dodgers, a franchise with one of the highest payrolls in MLB, have long been a juggernaut, both in terms of talent and financial resources. Their roster has been filled with stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw. But when it comes to pitching, the Dodgers have recently made some high-profile moves to solidify their staff, such as the acquisition of Trevor Bauer and the signing of $115 million worth of contracts for a pitcher who has yet to fully live up to expectations in Los Angeles.
While specifics around this player’s identity aren’t provided in the question, one could infer that it refers to a pitcher who was signed by the Dodgers to a substantial contract but has not delivered consistently at the level expected of a $115 million player. This could point to a few different players, but a primary candidate is Julio Urías, who signed a lucrative deal with the Dodgers prior to the 2023 season. Urías, while a solid pitcher for the Dodgers, has shown flashes of brilliance and inconsistency, leading to questions about his future in Los Angeles.
Urías, who was expected to be a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ rotation, has dealt with injury issues and has not yet fully met the elite expectations associated with his contract. However, the Orioles may be in a position to target Urías or a similar pitcher who, if given a change of scenery, could perform better. The Dodgers’ deep rotation and fluctuating budget could make moving a pitcher like Urías an appealing option for both sides.
The Potential Fit for the Orioles
For the Orioles, securing a pitcher like Urías could provide several benefits. First and foremost, the team would be adding a left-handed starter to their rotation, which is something the Orioles have lacked in recent seasons. A pitcher like Urías, who has the potential to dominate hitters from the left side, could add a new dynamic to a rotation that leans heavily on right-handed arms.
Moreover, Urías brings playoff experience with the Dodgers, which would be an asset to a young Orioles team that is still learning how to handle the pressures of postseason play. The addition of Urías could solidify the rotation and give the Orioles a better shot at competing with top teams in the American League.
Urías has also had his moments of dominance, such as his stellar performance in the 2020 postseason, where he helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series title. That kind of experience is valuable in high-stakes situations, and it’s something that the Orioles’ rotation currently lacks. In terms of the mechanics of a potential trade, Urías would likely be a more affordable option than Burnes, who is likely to command a larger trade package due to his status as one of the best pitchers in the league.
The Orioles have a strong farm system, with top prospects such as Jackson Holliday, Heston Kjerstad, and Coby Mayo. If the Orioles were to pursue Urías, they could potentially offer up a package of prospects that could intrigue the Dodgers while not compromising the future of the franchise. The Dodgers may view such a trade as an opportunity to replenish their system while freeing up payroll space for other roster needs.
Comparing Urías and Burnes
When comparing Julio Urías and Corbin Burnes, it’s clear that Burnes has the edge in terms of overall performance. Burnes has been one of the top pitchers in the National League for several years, with elite strikeout numbers and a dominating arsenal of pitches. His fastball-slider combination is as good as any in baseball, and he has the ability to be the ace of a rotation on a championship-contending team.
However, Burnes also comes with a higher price tag. His trade value is elevated because he is a true ace with multiple years of control (at least one year remaining before free agency). As a result, acquiring Burnes would require the Orioles to part with more of their top prospects, potentially sacrificing the future in favor of the present. The Brewers may also be more selective in trade negotiations, knowing that they are dealing away an elite asset.
Urías, on the other hand, may be a more realistic target for the Orioles. While his performance has been inconsistent at times, he still has a solid track record and the potential to be a key contributor for a playoff team. Urías might come at a lower cost in terms of trade assets, allowing the Orioles to hold onto more of their promising prospects while bolstering their pitching staff. The main question is whether Urías can find his best form in a new environment or if the Dodgers’ rotation and workload have been factors in his inconsistencies.
