With Juan Soto no longer a focus in the AL East, another bidding war has taken center stage. Before the 2024 season, the Milwaukee Brewers traded star pitcher to the Baltimore Orioles, who brought him in as their ace. He delivered an outstanding season, finishing with a 15-9 record, a 2.92 ERA, 48 walks, and 181 strikeouts.
However, despite his strong performance, the Orioles appeared reluctant to re-sign him, knowing other teams would offer a hefty price for the starter. On the Fair Territory show, Ken Rosenthal discussed how Soto’s absence from the AL East shifted attention to Him.
“(Corbin) Burnes and (Max) Fried are going to attract a lot of interest,” Rosenthal said. “Expect the Blue Jays to make a huge offer for Him, and Fried will also be highly sought after, especially by the Red Sox. Burnes is on their radar, too.
“It’s going to be tough for the Yankees to secure the pitching they need, but they’re going to scramble. These shifts we’re seeing—not just with the Yankees, but with the Red Sox and other teams—will happen quickly.”
Orioles’ Corbin Burnes could have every AL East team give him an offer
After losing out on the Juan Soto sweepstakes to the Mets, the Yankees might feel pressured to make a big move. While they still boast stars like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gerrit Cole, their core isn’t getting any younger. Despite having significant financial resources, they’ll face stiff competition for top talent.
The Orioles, fresh off winning the division and securing a Wild Card spot in 2023, are in a strong position. Although there was a three-game gap, bringing back Burnes could help them close it. With a core of Anthony Santander, Gunnar Henderson, and Jackson Holliday, they have a blend of youth and experience capable of making a deep postseason run.
As for the Blue Jays, finishing last in the division highlighted their pitching struggles. Offense wasn’t the issue, but their rotation fell short, with José Berríos leading the staff with a 16-11 record and a 3.60 ERA. Adding Burnes would not only inject youth into their rotation but also provide them with a true ace.
The same could be said for the Rays and Red Sox, as all AL East teams have the financial flexibility to pursue Burnes. However, if the Orioles choose not to re-sign him, it opens the door for a rival to swoop in. While money will be a factor, Burnes might prioritize signing with a team that gives him the best shot at winning—and that destination might not even be in the AL East.
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