If the Baltimore Orioles fail to re-sign ace Corbin Burnes this winter, a senior MLB insider just disclosed a list of potential replacements. Two of them currently play in the National League East.
The Orioles’ 2024 season did not end with their second consecutive division title, as they had intended. However, they are virtually certain to make the playoffs for the second consecutive season. It will be the first time they have made consecutive postseason appearances since 1996-97. Baltimore probably wouldn’t be in this position without ace Corbin Burnes.
The former Milwaukee Brewers star has been everything the organization hoped for after acquiring him in a stunning trade this offseason. However, Burnes may be one-and-done in Baltimore. The four-time All-Star is scheduled to enter free agency this winter. Many Major League Baseball observers believe he is the greatest pitcher in this year’s class.
While Baltimore now has a billionaire owner, there is a genuine possibility that the team may lose a bidding battle for the 29-year-old’s services. So, what happens if the organization loses its top pitcher during the offseason?
Sean Manaea and Max Fried could be Corbin Burnes’ replacements for Baltimore Orioles
On Thursday, Jon Heyman, an MLB insider for the New York Post, speculated on the Orioles’ probable free agency contingency plans. One intriguing possibility he proposed was Max Fried, a two-time Braves All-Star. Heyman believes the skilled lefty would be a great fit for Atlanta’s ballpark configuration.
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While Heyman said the organization may target two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell and trade for rising star Garrett Crochet, he also mentioned a potential under-the-radar name: Mets pitcher Sean Manaea. “They made a run at him two years ago, but he went with the Giants.”
The journeyman pitcher has had an outstanding season in Flushing. Currently 12-5 with a 3.29 ERA. He will be a more cheap alternative than Fried, having signed a two-year, $28 million contract (with an opt-out) in the offseason.
