A senior MLB insider said this week that the Baltimore Orioles are searching at an All-Star pitcher to either replace ace Corbin Burnes or form a strong one-two pitching punch.
The Orioles endured a terrible MLB season in 2024. Yes, they won 91 games and made the playoffs. However, they crumbled late in the season, losing their lead in the American League East. The problems continued into the postseason, as the Kansas City Royals swept them out.
The Orioles should be a playoff contender again in 2025, but they may lose a couple of key players to free agency. Slugger Anthony Santander is expected to attract a lot of attention on the open market. But Ace Corbin Burnes is the top free agent pitcher this offseason.
There is a very real risk that Baltimore may lose their finest pitcher in the coming weeks after only having him for one season. However, ESPN MLB source Jeff Passan said on Tuesday that the team plans to pursue a top-tier arm in MLB free agency to potentially fill the vacancy.
Baltimore Orioles expected to pursue Atlanta Braves All-Star Max Fried
Passan reviewed the rising market for Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried in a new post that examined the best free agents in this year’s class as well as the most recent information. While revealing that rivals the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays are undoubtedly top candidates for the 30-year-old, he also stated that Baltimore “will be in the mix.”
The Orioles have money to spend and are owned by a millionaire. This is why they stand a good chance of retaining Burnes. However, if they do not, they may make a serious push for the two-time All-Star in the coming weeks.
There is also a potential they will sign both players. Along with Grayson Rodriguez, adding both would give the Orioles the top pitching staff in the American League.
