Baltimore Orioles Navigate Offseason Adjustments with Strategic Moves Following Corbin Burnes Loss
As the calendar turned from 2024 to 2025, the Baltimore Orioles were forced to navigate a challenging offseason after learning that their pursuit of Corbin Burnes, the former Cy Young Award winner, would ultimately fall short. Burnes, who had been at the center of the Orioles’ plans to bolster their rotation, ultimately chose a six-year, $210 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, a deal that would allow him to stay close to his home base in the Phoenix area. While the Orioles had hopes of landing Burnes to strengthen their rotation, they quickly had to pivot, adapting to a new set of circumstances in a highly competitive AL East.
Burnes’ decision to join the Diamondbacks was a blow to Baltimore’s offseason plans, especially after the team had reportedly made a franchise-record offer to secure the pitcher’s services. The Orioles were in need of a frontline starter to complement a rotation that, while impressive in 2024, still had room for improvement. The loss of Burnes, however, does not signify the end of their pursuit of starting pitching depth. In true Orioles fashion, the team showed resilience and flexibility, quickly turning its attention to other avenues to strengthen its roster.
Yankees Pivot and Orioles’ Response: An AL East Arms Race
After the Orioles’ failed pursuit of Burnes, the New York Yankees also found themselves in a similar situation, losing out on one of the top targets in Juan Soto. However, rather than languishing in disappointment, the Yankees immediately pivoted, focusing on Max Fried, a highly coveted left-handed pitcher, signing him to an eight-year, $218 million deal. In addition to Fried, the Yankees made several moves to bolster their roster, including the signing of Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams, and a key trade that brought Paul Goldschmidt to New York for a one-year, $12.5 million deal. These moves were designed to not only fill gaps left by departing players but also to push the Yankees back into contention for the AL East and a deep postseason run.
The Orioles, while perhaps not making the same splashy signings as the Yankees, were equally as strategic in their approach. About a week after Burnes rejected their offer, the Orioles made a calculated move, signing veteran Charlie Morton to a one-year, $15 million deal. Morton, 40, has proven himself as one of the more reliable starters in baseball over the past decade, and his ability to deliver in big moments, such as his performance in the 2021 World Series with the Atlanta Braves, made him a logical addition for Baltimore.
While Morton’s signing wasn’t necessarily a direct pivot from losing Burnes, it was a savvy move to provide the Orioles with a stable veteran presence in the rotation. Morton’s leadership, experience, and ability to eat innings were viewed as qualities that could help further solidify the Orioles’ pitching depth while also allowing for more flexibility in terms of future acquisitions.
A Deeper Look at the Orioles’ Rotation in 2024
The Orioles’ starting rotation in 2024 was a key factor in their impressive 101-win season, as they finished just behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the top spot in the AL East. Despite not having the marquee ace like Corbin Burnes, the Orioles’ rotation was remarkably effective and largely exceeded expectations.
The team’s starting ERA of 3.77 was tied for fifth in all of Major League Baseball, matching the Chicago Cubs in that category, while only trailing the Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves, and Detroit Tigers. Additionally, the Orioles’ 62 wins from their starting pitchers ranked third in MLB, behind only the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies.
Notably, Baltimore boasted an impressive starting depth, with Kyle Gibson and Dean Kremer leading the charge. However, the absence of a true frontline ace became apparent in several high-stakes games, especially in the postseason, where a reliable No. 1 starter is critical. The Orioles understood that, to truly compete with the top-tier teams in the AL East and beyond, they would need a more dominant presence at the top of their rotation, something that Burnes could have provided.
However, even without Burnes, the Orioles remained optimistic that their existing pitching staff, supplemented by strategic offseason acquisitions like Morton, would continue to perform at a high level. In addition to Morton, the Orioles still had Grayson Rodriguez, the highly touted young prospect, who showed flashes of brilliance in 2024 but remained a bit inconsistent. With John Means returning from Tommy John surgery and the development of several other young arms, the Orioles appeared to have a promising and deep rotation.
The Orioles’ Depth and Flexibility in 2025
One of the major strengths of the Orioles heading into 2025 is their ability to remain flexible in both their roster decisions and overall strategy. By investing in veterans like Morton and retaining their core young players, Baltimore has the potential to develop into a powerhouse, both in the rotation and across the rest of the roster.
While their starting pitching depth may not have a Burnes-caliber ace, the Orioles’ bullpen remains one of the strongest in the league. With the likes of Felix Bautista, Yennier Cano, and Cionel Pérez, the Orioles have the ability to shorten games and leverage their bullpen in key situations. This bullpen depth allows the starting rotation to pitch with less pressure, knowing that the team has one of the more reliable relief units in baseball.
Moreover, the Orioles’ offensive lineup remains potent, led by rising stars such as Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Austin Hays. With an offense capable of producing runs in bunches, the Orioles have the luxury of allowing their pitchers to focus on keeping games close rather than having to carry the load themselves.
Baltimore also continues to demonstrate a smart and calculated approach to roster-building, balancing the needs for veteran leadership and young talent. The combination of Morton, a seasoned and battle-tested pitcher, with the growing talents of Rodriguez, Kremer, and others, makes the Orioles a well-rounded team entering the 2025 season.
The Orioles’ Future Outlook
Although they may not have landed Burnes, the Orioles’ ability to adapt and make shrewd moves like the signing of Charlie Morton positions them as a strong contender for the upcoming season. With a pitching staff that has room for growth and depth, complemented by an explosive offense, the Orioles are a dangerous team to face in 2025.
The potential addition of other key pieces throughout the season—whether via trade or further free-agent signings—could push Baltimore over the top, solidifying them as a perennial playoff contender. As the Orioles continue to develop their young talent and invest in experienced leadership, they will remain a team to watch in the AL East and across the American League.
In the end, while losing out on Corbin Burnes was a setback, the Orioles’ ability to pivot and make measured, strategic moves like the signing of Morton ensures they’ll remain in the hunt for a deep postseason run. Their resilience, depth, and forward-thinking approach make them one of the most intriguing teams in baseball heading into the 2025 season.
