The Orioles completed one of the offseason’s biggest trades in landing Corbin Burnes from the Brewers earlier this week, and it was a move that GM Mike Elias said the organization had been “talking about…since when the World Series ended.” It was heavily expected that the O’s would be looking for significant rotation help during the winter, and Elias shared some details on the search when speaking with reporters (including MASNsports.com’s Roch Kubatko and MLB.com’s Jake Rill) on a conference call in the aftermath of the trade.
“Corbin Burnes is exactly what we needed. We were in a dogged pursuit of him the entire offseason,” Elias said. “Obviously, there were other starting pitchers who we pursued, but it’s harder to have somebody higher than Corbin Burnes on your wish list. It’s a tremendous impact.”
Milwaukee’s side of the deal involved two big league-ready young players (Joey Ortiz and DL Hall) with top-100 prospect pedigrees, as well as the Orioles’ Competitive Balance Round draft pick (currently 34th overall in the 2024 draft order). It was a noteworthy amount to give up even for a team as rich in minor league depth as the O’s, but Elias felt it was worth the plunge.
“We’re giving up a lot of long-term talent and also a couple of players that were going to contribute to the 2024 Orioles,” Elias said. “So I mean, this is a risky move, but it lined up for both sides. We weren’t going to force it necessarily, but our wish list was a rotation upgrade and I certainly think that the Cy Young winner and with his body of work qualifies as that. We couldn’t have found a better upgrade and now we just have to go play the games.”
While the Orioles’ offer was enough to sway the Brewers, it apparently wasn’t enough to get the White Sox to move Dylan Cease, another pitcher known to be on Baltimore’s list of potential targets. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that the O’s “offered basically the same package” to White Sox, as well as an unknown additional player. The larger size of the offer probably reflects the fact that Cease is arbitration-controlled through the 2025 season while Burnes is only controlled through 2024, yet it still wasn’t enough to meet Chicago’s asking price for Cease’s services.
Past reports have suggested that the Sox have a particular interest in Jordan Westburg, Heston Kjerstad and Colton Cowser, among many of Baltimore’s top prospects. It can be assumed that none of these blue-chippers weren’t the mystery fourth part of the Orioles’ offer to Chicago, so speculatively, it could be that the White Sox asked for one of the trio as the top position-player piece instead of Ortiz. Considering that the Sox have reportedly been looking for additional pitching in other Cease-related trade talks with the Mariners and Reds, it could also be that the White Sox wanted a better pitcher included than Hall, or perhaps a pitcher as the fourth element if the Orioles had offered a position player.
These talks are again indicative of the very large price tag that the White Sox are demanding for Cease, which isn’t really surprising given how he is their biggest trade asset apart from Luis Robert. It also understandable why the Orioles ultimately pivoted from these talks with Chicago to closing the deal on Burnes, as Burnes provides a higher ceiling as a more consistent ace-level pitcher even if he comes with one less year of control than Cease.
Obviously some of this discussion is just conjecture since we don’t know exactly what the Orioles put on the table for Cease, yet it also speaks to the interesting juggling act Elias has been facing in determining how to put the best “final touch” on the AL East-winning roster. It can be assumed that pretty much every rival team has been asking about the top tier of names in Baltimore’s farm system in any trade talks, so Elias technically has the minor league depth to complete just about any deal, he naturally isn’t going to deplete that depth for just any pitcher.
Speaking of Kjerstad and Cowser, it wouldn’t be surprising to see either youngster play big roles in whatever success awaits the 2024 Orioles, though they’re part of a crowded outfield, first base, and DH picture that also includes Cedric Mullins, Anthony Santander, Austin Hays, Ryan Mountcastle, Ryan O’Hearn, and even more up-and-coming prospects in Coby Mayo and Kyle Stowers, among others. Even with all these options on hand, Nightengale reports that the O’s still had interest in bringing back Aaron Hicks before the veteran outfielder signed with the Angels earlier this week.
After an injury-plagued stint with the Yankees, Hicks revived his career after joining the Orioles last season, hitting .275/.381/.425 over 236 PA and acting as a veteran leader within the young clubhouse. Since the Yankees are still covering Hicks’ previous contract through the 2025 season, the outfielder was available on only a minimum MLB salary to any team this winter, giving him presumably a pretty wide range of suitors.
Though the Orioles are in a better position to contend than the Angels in 2024, it could be that Hicks simply felt he wouldn’t get as much playing time in Baltimore than he would in Los Angeles. Though the Angels have a fair amount of outfield options themselves, Mike Trout’s injury history and the unproven big league track records of Mickey Moniak and Jo Adell leave more room for Hicks to become a lineup regular.
Alvo Sumatro
“This is America’s real official baseball stadium and Americas real official baseball team and America’s real official baseball city and Babe Ruth’s real official baseball connection”
The quote is referencing the Orioles/Baltimore
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
That
Lanidrac
Since Ruth played for a minor league team in Baltimore, is it suggesting that Baltimore should’ve remained a minor league city and the Browns should’ve never moved there to become the Orioles?
Alvo Sumatro
Have to ask the person who said it.
Prospectnvstr
Since you were referencing the quote, how about referencing who originally made the comment?
Gwynning
Alvo has been saying the same thing on every post, troll status confirmed.
RobM
There is that mute button for Alvo, for that who want to partake.
Ignorant Son-of-a-b
So is this a reference to the Cleveland Browns or the Baltimore Colts. What sport did Babe Ruth play again?
GarryHarris
The current Baltimore Orioles were formally the St Louis Browns (1953) who were formally the Milwaukee Brewers (1901).
O'sSayCanYouSee
@ GarryHarris — …and the former Baltimore Orioles became the NY Yankees. (The fat orphan kid just tagged along w/ the loving vans, err, moving wagons.
GarryHarris
And the other former NL Orioles was removed from the league after they formed a syndicate with the Brooklyn Grooms-Superbas-Dodgers.
Bobby Mongan
It was because Babe Ruth was born in Baltimore.
Stevieoriole
Moreso the fact that Babe was born and grew up in Baltimore
Ubaldo Jimenez
You said the same thing on a Braves post. Are you a troll? What is this quote from?
920kodiak
2 out of 3 ain’t bad.
kurtman20
Brewers will find a quality veteran starter. Don’t laugh….maybe Cease!
afsooner02
Trevor Bauer is still out there. Would be interesting to see if he really meant “he’d play for everybody”. (Note: I’m kidding, I don’t see either party having any interest.)
GarryHarris
The Giants should pick him up just to spite Dodgers.
blackandorange
O’s got a heck of a deal. Rather have Burnes than Cease anyways.
BS Meter Detector
Best part is they’ll recoup the draft pick via QO if he leaves and can’t keep everyone or find playing time for everyone. They got an ace gave up a guy that fell down the depth chart in Ortiz compared to others and a relief arm in Hall. Not a bad deal at all.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
Last year fWAR: Cease 3.7, Burnes 3.4
Last two years: Cease 8.1, Burnes 8.0
Some people are acting like Cease is a #3 at best, but the difference between him and Burnes really isn’t that great. For one year ignoring cost concerns, I’d rather have Burnes because he’s been more consistent, but it’s not the no-brainer some people are making it out to be.
DolphLundgren
Burnes, Cease, Bradish, Means, Kremer would be a great rotation.
dankyank
I’d rather have GRod than Cease.
niched
Are you suggesting the Os trade GRod to get Cease? I ask because GRod would start over Kremer. Can’t see the Os trading GRod for another pitcher, but I do think the Os need another starter.
Os1995
I mean Kremer was a league average MLB pitcher last year. That’s not a bad 5 if he can provide a few more innings than last season. Even if the Orioles don’t add another pitcher they will likely be a top 5 pitching staff in baseball next year.
BrianStrowman9
Kremer went 172.2 innings last year.
That’s great production for a 5 starter. I don’t think he needs to pitch any deeper into games to be quality in that role
beyou02215
I still say that there’s a lot of risk in holding Cease. Hopefully it works out for Chicago.
Blackpink in the area
I kinda doubt they hold onto him. Snell and Montgomery are still out there. Once they are signed perhaps Cease will be dealt.
mstrchef13
Chris Getz is living the phrase “screw around and find out”. When Cease is merely pretty good this year, because the White Sox are not very good, his value will only get lower from this point.
mad1
If the O’s make the playoffs I hope Burnes pitches better than he did for the brewers in his last start
dankyank
The Orioles gave up essentially fair value in the Burnes trade. Ortiz and Hall are both quality prospects without a clear path to playing time Baltimore.
For their part, the Brewers took more than the draft pick compensation and now have 5 in the top 95 in this year’s draft. The trade helps Milwaukee pull off a quick retool, which is their MO.
DCartrow
Quickest retool since John Bobbit ?
Gwynning
Every Lorena in America just reached for their pocket knife…
BrianStrowman9
DL hall had a very clear path to be a wipeout reliever in Baltimore. That part hurt.
C Yards Jeff
Yes, I thought it looked like DL was trending more towards a Tanner Scott career path than a Zach Britton one. Smart to move him now.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
As a White Sox fan, Getz overplayed his hand. That said, of the offer was basically what the Brewers got plus a mystery player, I’m happy Getz said no. Burnes is better, but not by such leaps and bounds that one extra year of Cease at a bargain price is worth just a mystery player who’s obviously outside of the Sox’ list of targets.
But I am surprised Burnes was traded at all, considering Milwaukee was the division favorite.
CardsFan57
The return for Cease will only go down once the season starts. It will drop dramatically if he has another mediocre season. That offer was very fair.
Mikenmn
If he’s pitching well at midseason, he’s going to be shopped, and probably worth a boatload to a contender. But if he’s just OK., you are right, the ask is going to have to be a lot less.
Aiden Awe
Exactly. His value doesn’t automatically go down.
Aiden Awe
If he can’t get his sun and moon offer you might as well keep him til the deadline.
Blackpink in the area
I would not assume Cease will be with the White Sox on opening day. Just like I wouldn’t assume Snell and Montgomery will remain unsigned.
avenger65
The problem in all of this is Getz. He’s going to get rid of Cease, that’s a given. He didn’t like Baltimore’s offer, which might not have been so bad for a rebuilding team. Sadly, when Getz does finally trade Cease, he’s not bright enough to get full value.
Aiden Awe
That offer was very underwhelming. Glad Getz said no. If he pitches his 2022 form then his value increases. If he does average, his value stays the same, if injured or even worse then remove him from the trade market.
Lanidrac
If he does average, his value goes down, since he’ll be closer to free agency.
Aiden Awe
It goes down a little bit.
osfandan
If you think you’re gonna get better than two top 100 prospects and the 34th overall pick, sure. I’m not so sure you won’t hate Getz after seeing Ortiz and Hall do their thing in Milwaukee this year.
cwsOverhaul
So Getz didn’t overplay his hand. He wanted Westburg as the headliner in lieu of Ortiz. That is logical for 2yrs of cheap control. His goal was to have a higher floor ready now position player in the case of Balt since they didn’t have an expendable starter to headline it.
Once there is a good headliner, the rest of a package won’t be daunting for anyone to get Cease. A second prospect that is decent and a couple lower system guys scouts think can have flaws fixed (BP arm types) would do it.
Prospective buyers are annoyed they won’t budge on gaining a legit position player or starter as the prize. They want to give qty of meh pieces that don’t hurt to trade.
There is no risk to keeping Cease at this point if no one will put 1 significant headliner on the table. It would be worse to cave.
CardsFan57
Ask Cleveland about no risk. It seems their phone has stopped ringing for Bieber trades.
Blackpink in the area
Who knows what is going on with Bieber. The Guardians aren’t neccessarily looking to trade him. Certainly would have rather the Cardinals traded for Bieber than signed Lynn but who knows if they are actually looking to trade him.
CardsFan57
He’s having elbow and forearm issues. No one wants to risk trading into a TJ surgery.
Blackpink in the area
It’s just 1 year. Again I would happily risk Bieber getting hurt over Lynn not being washed up.
cwsOverhaul
Bieber has valid injury concerns, like a lot of the flawed FAs who got well into 8 figures on 1 or 2 year deals. Cleveland is in a tough spot to get a decent prospect(s) for a rental. Cease hasn’t missed a start in his career-cheap and durable. When everyone is 0-0 hope springs eternal that one’s rotation is good enough.
Blackpink in the area
There is no evidence the Guardians are even shopping Bieber. But if they were you gotta give up something decent for him. I would say a little less than Burnes but not that much less.
Lanidrac
But if Lynn fails, the Cardinals only waste some dead money. If Bieber gets hurt, they’d waste whatever valuable young players/prospects they would’ve given up in trade in addition to a slightly higher amount of dead money on his salary.
Blackpink in the area
What would Bieber really have costed us? Edman? I just like Biebers upside a heck of a lot more than Lynn’s. I could see a potential Edman for Bieber deal at this year’s deadline if the Cardinals are still in it.
solaris602
I have to think they’re gonna take the best return they can find before Opening Day. I know that owner & FO biggest motivation is to get Bieber’s salary off the books.
Blackpink in the area
Bieber is one that could be traded in March because perhaps teams want to see him healthy again. He did come back for that one start at the end of last year. He has as much upside as anyone but I understand there is an injury risk thats higher than most guys.
Lanidrac
Edman is a very valuable piece who is worth too much to give up for one year of a pitcher with major injury concerns.
As for the trade deadline, if the Cardinals are in contention and looking to add, Edman would only possibly be available if both Winn has established himself as the starting shortstop and Carlson has improved against right-handed pitching.
Blackpink in the area
Edman has 2 years of control left. If Bieber is healthy he’s better than Edman. And most importantly Edman won’t be needed when Scott and Saggese are ready mid season. Now if there are injuries that could change things and it very well might. But I could see a scenario where Edman is traded for Bieber in July.
Ubaldo Jimenez
Neither guy traded to MIL is “meh.”
ba$eba||F@n21
These White Sox fans are hilarious. Burns is worlds better than Cease and Chicago absolutely continues to overvalue him and it’s only going to wind up hurting them in the end, just watch.
Aiden Awe
Hasn’t been injured since his rookie season. Only a TJ surgery would completely destroy is value.
cwsOverhaul
Burnes is better no doubt, but contracts play a role. 2 postseason shots with a cheap/good/durable starter like Cease is worth a little more than a pure rental.
Luzardo with 3yrs of arb control is also worth more in trade than both of them.
Blackpink in the area
Cease had a better FIP last year than Burnes did. Burnes has a better track record so I would choose him everything else bring equal but not by much
Aiden Awe
That’s true. While trading Cease now is technically the right move. He isn’t a free agent until 2025 so there’s plenty of time to trade him. Getz showed patience which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Despite this he has to nail this trade to help the Sox in the future. He said he’s looking to compete in 2025/2026.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
Look at the last two years combined of fWAR or just last year. Cease is actually ahead. Burnes had a better peak year and is more consistent, but he’s not “worlds better.”
Mikenmn
I don’t see either team “losing:” this trade. And as for Cease, he can still be traded and for a very good return. The question is whether this deal defined the market–and if it did, will Chicago regret its asks?
This one belongs to the Reds
Will these Cease rumors never cease?
gorav114
I’d rather have Burnes so I’m happy the Os got him instead. Love to now add Snell…
Burnes
Snell
Bradish
Grod
Means
With Kremer amd Wells as long relief or piggyback options. This rotation would be best and deepest in baseball
DonOsbourne
It will be interesting to see if the O’s suddenly become spenders with new ownership in place.
CardsFan57
I expect it but new ownership can’t take over until MLB approves the sale. I see them signing either Snell or Montgomery if they take over before they’re off the market.
dm867
Could the pending new ownership ask the Angeloses to make offers for free agents? Is that legal?
CardsFan57
dm867
That requires faith that the purchase won’t fall through. I’m not sure they are up for that risk.
stymeedone
After the expense of buying the team, I would expect them to stay to budget.
Ignorant Son-of-a-b
So I am still uncertain if the pending sale of the franchise had any correlation to this Burnes trade occurring, or if it was all just a random coincidence in the space-time continuum with no ultimate meaning to read into it.
CardsFan57
Either way, it doesn’t cost the owners anything except this year’s salary.
Lanidrac
I can’t see them raising the budget that much in the same offseason they take over, since they still have to work within the revenue the Orioles earned last year. It’s not like they’re suddenly going to start investing their own personal fortunes beyond what it took to buy the team.
yeasties
On top of that, Angelos said that he’s retaining some non-trivial fraction of ownership. He and possibly other current minor owners may bring their miserly tendencies with them into the new ownership group. The new guys aren’t taking full ownership; we will have to wait to see the composition of the new ownership group to get a better idea of where things are headed.
osfandan
Angelos will have no influence over any future major decisions. No chance Rubenstein buys if lil man is gonna be meddling the whole time.
jimmyz
@yeasties I could be wrong on all the details but my understanding is that due to Peter Angelos still legally being the owner but the rest of the family legally having controlling interests of the team that the Angelos family is retaining about 30-40% of ownership until old man Angelos dies to avoid a significant tax penalty for the sale. Then once Peter passes away the Rubenstein group will receive the remaining Angelos’ ownership percentage.
willpatten
Yes. They will spend their young talent.
Hopefully they will NOT spend gazzilion dollars over gazillion years to get players on the back half of their careers. See: Chris Davis. Never again.
whyhayzee
In my kitchen Snell Means Burnes.
Ignorant Son-of-a-b
In my kitchen, Smell means (my wife) Burned It
its_happening
Baltimore can roll into 2024 with the staff they have and make a deadline deal for someone better than Cease. They have options to play with.
bumpy93
I’m a Philadelphia Philly fan first and foremost but I was born and raised in Baltimore so the Orioles are my second team. I love this move for the Orioles loved it the only thing that gives me a little bit of worry is that he’s only under contract for this year and he says he has to be blown away with an offer hold on me the song before he hits free agency. unless the Orioles win the World Series this year if Corbin Burnes leaves the Orioles this year without a world series title this move will have backfired on the Orioles
Liberalsteve
Grammar is a hell of a drug.
MattStats5
You’re wrong..
Lanidrac
It’s still worth it if he helps them make the playoffs and all the extra revenue that provides.
YankeesBleacherCreature
The only thing a fan can ask for is if a team tries to compete. There are no guarantees for a WS title… even for the Dodgers. I dump on the Angels as much as anybody here but I’ll give Arte Moreno credit when credit is due for buying at the deadline last season. He could’ve easily traded Ohtani for quite a haul. He’s still awful for not addressing starting pitching as usual.
Blackpink in the area
Cubs should trade for Cease. Always weird to reacquire a guy you traded away but they make the most sense. Cubs are in a really good position to make a big trade and without that or a big signing I don’t think they are legit contenders.
DonOsbourne
I think this trade should encourage the Reds to get more aggressive. I believe they are the most talented team in the division. I understand their desire to proceed slowly and figure out what is real, but the division is ripe for the taking right now.
Blackpink in the area
Yeah Reds are another team that make a lot of sense for Cease. They have a lot of pitching depth that is unproven the kind the White Sox could use.
Lanidrac
If they were the most talented team, they’d already be the division favorites. Some of their young players aren’t completely proven, and their pitching is likely the worst in the division, even behind the Cardinals and Pirates.
Blackpink in the area
The Reds might have a lot of unproven players but I tend to think they have the most talent. And I think as of today they are the division favorites.
nosake
Watching Cease stumble this past season made me think of Sox derelict pitching coach. Where was he when his services were needed?
PiratesFan1981
Maybe Baltimore signs him to an extension after this trade. 6/135milion? Too low?
cwsOverhaul
Don’t get me wrong, as it would be an albatross waiting to happen, but Boras would probably look to get him 7yrs in 210-225mil range to forego free agency even though he’ll be 30 at start of deal.
YankeesBleacherCreature
$200M+ with opt-outs.
LambchoP
Sox are asking too much for Cease
ba$eba||F@n21
Where have you been!? They’ve been asking WAY too much from the beginning and it’s only going to bite them in the end!
Aiden Awe
He’s at best worth three prospects, two top 100 and one lower.
Doug Jones' Locker
This negotiation with White Sox leaves a deal structure in place for future deals with the O’s. Cease next year, or maybe Robert
Silver Boot Series Enjoyer
I’d be putting some offers together for Zack Wheeler if I were a GM. Neither Cease or Burnes have proven themselves to be big game pitchers.
BrianStrowman9
I’d put a package together for Gerrit Cole too but unfortunately no one would call back.
Nosferatu Zodd
Snell is a pipe dream to all who have pipe realities. Dude wants a quarter billion. Not to mention the draft pick hit.
I’m not exactly sure why this obsession with getting Snell.
I love the trade for Burnes. It’s a one year trial as the anchor ace of the team. I know we gave up a few valuable youngsters, but its not swapping a DFA for the 39th guy.
westcasey
Baltimore has been ‘Comedy of Heirs’ until recent news of selling franchise. Maybe they capitalize of deep farm system of resources to supplement their young and talented core. They could become best in AL