Introduction

The Baltimore Orioles have emerged as one of the more exciting and dynamic teams in Major League Baseball over the past few seasons. With a young core led by emerging superstars like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, the Orioles are well-positioned for sustained success in the American League. However, despite their impressive offensive depth and solid development in other areas, one glaring area of need remains: starting pitching. While the Orioles’ offense has been explosive, their pitching staff has been inconsistent, and as the team sets its sights on playoff contention, acquiring a high-quality starting pitcher could be the key to taking the next step.

A potential trade scenario that could serve this purpose is the acquisition of a top-tier pitcher who could serve as the replacement for Corbin Burnes with the Milwaukee Brewers. Burnes, one of the premier pitchers in MLB, is a right-handed ace with a Cy Young Award under his belt. Although Burnes is currently with the Brewers, the team may be looking to move him as part of a rebuild or because they cannot meet his impending salary demands. For the Orioles, acquiring Burnes—or a pitcher of similar quality—would give them the ace they need to compete with the elite teams in the American League.

This article will explore the potential trade between the Baltimore Orioles and the Milwaukee Brewers for a starting pitcher who could replace Corbin Burnes. The analysis will focus on what such a trade might look like, why it makes sense for both teams, and how it impacts their respective futures.

The State of the Baltimore Orioles

A Young and Dynamic Roster

The Baltimore Orioles’ roster is one of the most promising in the American League. The club has a strong mix of established stars and emerging talents, with an exciting future ahead. Behind the plate, Adley Rutschman is quickly becoming one of the premier catchers in MLB, showcasing elite on-base skills and a solid all-around game. Alongside him, Gunnar Henderson, the top prospect turned starting third baseman, is already one of the best young players in the league, with tremendous power, speed, and defensive ability.

Additionally, the Orioles have other dynamic players like Cedric Mullins, Anthony Santander, and Ryan Mountcastle who provide depth and balance in the lineup. The Orioles have been a high-scoring team in recent years, and their offense appears to be one of the stronger units in the American League.

Starting Pitching Woes

Despite their offensive strength, the Orioles’ starting rotation has remained a point of concern. While the team has had flashes of brilliance from pitchers like Kyle Gibson and Dean Kremer, consistency has been a major issue. A true ace—someone capable of shutting down elite lineups in high-pressure playoff situations—has been missing from the Orioles’ rotation.

The 2023 season highlighted this gap as the Orioles’ starting pitchers ranked in the middle of the pack in most key metrics, with an ERA slightly above league average. In a playoff series against top-tier teams like the Houston Astros or the New York Yankees, the Orioles’ rotation would likely be exposed. If they want to compete for a championship, they need to add a front-line starting pitcher—someone who can match up with the likes of Gerrit Cole or Justin Verlander in a postseason setting.

Trade Strategy

The Orioles front office has shown a willingness to make impactful trades when the right opportunity arises. With a strong farm system and a window of contention opening, Baltimore could be aggressive in pursuing a top-tier pitcher via trade. The acquisition of Corbin Burnes, or a similar pitcher, would signal the Orioles’ intent to push all-in on their championship window while maintaining a sustainable approach to roster construction.

Corbin Burnes: A Premium Ace

Career Overview

Corbin Burnes, a 2021 Cy Young Award winner, is one of the best pitchers in MLB. He is a power pitcher with a devastating fastball-slider combination and elite command. Burnes consistently ranks among the league leaders in strikeouts, ERA, and advanced metrics like FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) and xERA (Expected ERA). His ability to dominate hitters from both sides of the plate, especially with his wicked breaking ball, has made him a nightmare for opposing lineups.

Burnes has consistently posted top-tier strikeout rates while limiting walks and home runs, which is a recipe for success in today’s MLB. His durability and consistency have made him one of the most valuable pitchers in baseball, with a track record of excellence that any team would covet.

The Contract Situation

Burnes, however, is heading toward free agency after the 2024 season. As one of the top pitchers in the game, he is likely to command a significant contract, making his future with the Brewers uncertain. The Brewers, a small-market team, may be unwilling or unable to meet Burnes’ market value, especially if they are in the midst of a rebuild or retooling phase. With Burnes entering his final year of arbitration in 2024, this could be the last opportunity for the Brewers to maximize his trade value before he potentially leaves for a lucrative deal in free agency.

This creates an opening for the Orioles, who have the financial flexibility and a strong farm system to acquire Burnes and lock him up for the long-term. In exchange for their top prospects, the Brewers could acquire a strong return while still staying competitive in the future.

The Proposed Trade

Orioles’ Offer

The Orioles have one of the most coveted farm systems in baseball, with high-ceiling prospects across multiple positions. A trade for Burnes would likely require a package of multiple top-tier prospects and major-league-ready talent. The following is a potential trade scenario:

• To Milwaukee Brewers:
  • Gunnar Henderson (3B) – Henderson is a top-10 prospect in baseball and is already an elite-level player at the major league level. His combination of power, speed, and defensive ability makes him a perfect fit for the Brewers, who could look to build around him at third base for the future.
  • Grayson Rodriguez (RHP) – Rodriguez, one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, is a hard-throwing right-hander with excellent command and strikeout potential. While he has experienced some growing pains at the major league level, his upside is undeniable, and he could slot in as a potential front-line starter for the Brewers.
  • Colton Cowser (OF) – Cowser is another top-tier prospect who projects as a potential future star in the outfield. With good power and excellent on-base skills, Cowser would give the Brewers additional depth for the future.
  • Zach Veen (OF) – Veen is another outfield prospect who could provide the Brewers with additional future upside. He is a toolsy player with significant power potential and the ability to be an everyday starter at the MLB level.
• To Baltimore Orioles:
  • Corbin Burnes (RHP) – Burnes would immediately slot in as the ace of the Orioles’ rotation, bringing elite stuff and experience to a rotation that needs an anchor. A contract extension with Burnes would also make this a long-term acquisition, addressing the Orioles’ rotation for the foreseeable future.

Rationale for the Brewers

For the Brewers, the trade would be about securing high-upside talent that could help them rebuild in the future. Gunnar Henderson, Grayson Rodriguez, and Colton Cowser are all top-tier prospects who would offer significant potential at multiple positions. These players could be part of the next core for the Brewers, providing both high ceiling and major-league readiness.

The Brewers may not be willing to risk losing Burnes for nothing in free agency, especially given the small-market constraints they face. By moving Burnes now, they could set themselves up for a sustainable, long-term rebuild with a group of talented young players.

Rationale for the Orioles

For the Orioles, adding Burnes would solidify their starting rotation and give them the elite ace they have lacked. Burnes’ presence in the rotation would help stabilize the pitching staff, allowing their young hitters to continue growing in a competitive environment. With the Orioles in their window of contention, making a move for a pitcher of Burnes’ caliber would send a clear message to the rest of the league: Baltimore is ready to compete for championships.

Additionally, Burnes would be a strong leader in the clubhouse and provide valuable postseason experience, which could prove invaluable during the Orioles’ playoff runs. A contract extension would ensure that Burnes is part of the team for several years, further establishing the Orioles’ commitment to sustained success.