While Juan Soto is the best position player available in free agency, Corbin Burnes is the top starting pitcher on the open market. Can the Baltimore Orioles retain the hurler, or will they watch him sign a big-money deal with an American League East rival?
The Boston Red Sox are looking to make major moves this winter after three straight non-winning seasons. President of baseball operations Craig Breslow is trying to woo Soto to Boston, but he’s also on the hunt for an ace to anchor his pitching staff.
Burnes would certainly qualify. According to FanGraphs, his cumulative 21.5 WAR since 2020 is the second-best mark in baseball among starting pitchers. The right-hander has twirled a 2.88 ERA with a 1.02 WHIP and 946 strikeouts over his most recent 816 2/3 innings. He’s been named an All-Star each of the last four seasons and has finished within the top 10 of Cy Young voting for five straight years. This includes winning the National League Cy Young Award in 2021 for the Milwaukee Brewers.
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The Orioles sent shortstop Joey Ortiz, left-handed pitcher DL Hall and a competitive balance pick to Milwaukee in exchange for Burnes in February. Will they let him walk after just one season in Baltimore?
Pete Caldera and Andrew Tredinnick of NorthJersey.com shared their predictions for several MLB free agents. They were split on where Burnes will land this winter. Tredinnick thinks he’ll remain with the Orioles, but Caldera is predicting Burns will sign with the Red Sox.
Caldera is also predicting that Soto will re-sign with the New York Yankees. So, he thinks Boston can simply use some of the money earmarked for Soto to take Burnes off the open market. The Athletic’s Tim Britton is projecting the right-handed hurler will land a seven-year, $217 million contract.
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