The Baltimore Orioles, coming off a strong 2023 season, are reportedly setting their sights on bolstering their pitching staff in the upcoming offseason. With an eye on securing both a top-tier starter via trade and potential contract extensions for other high-profile pitchers, the Orioles are positioning themselves to compete at a higher level in 2024 and beyond. Two prominent names that have emerged in the conversation are Atlanta Braves’ ace Max Fried and Milwaukee Brewers’ standout Corbin Burnes. Both pitchers have the potential to significantly impact the Orioles’ rotation, making them key targets for the franchise.

 

Max Fried, a left-handed pitcher and one of the most consistent performers for the Braves, is rumored to be on the Orioles’ radar. Fried has been a dominant force in Atlanta’s rotation, earning All-Star honors and playing a crucial role in their postseason success. Despite injuries that hampered parts of his 2023 campaign, Fried remains one of the league’s top left-handed starters, boasting a career ERA of 3.09 and a strikeout rate of over 8.5 K/9 innings. His ability to generate ground balls and manage games effectively makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their pitching depth.

 

For the Orioles, Fried’s potential availability could be the perfect fit for their needs. Baltimore has been building a talented, young core, with their position players now among the most promising in baseball. However, their pitching staff still needs a true ace to complement their offensive power. Fried, a proven commodity in the postseason and with multiple years of control, would bring experience and stability to an Orioles’ rotation that, while talented, could benefit from a reliable veteran presence.

 

The Brewers’ Corbin Burnes is another key target for Baltimore, although acquiring him may be a more complicated process. Burnes has been one of the most dominant right-handed pitchers in recent years, winning the National League Cy Young Award in 2021. Like Fried, Burnes has battled injuries, but when healthy, he is an elite starter with a fastball that regularly hits the upper 90s and a devastating slider. His career ERA of 3.23 and his ability to miss bats with an excellent strikeout rate have made him one of the most coveted pitchers in baseball.

 

Burnes is also nearing the end of his arbitration years, and with the Brewers facing financial challenges, it is possible that Burnes could be available for the right price. While Burnes could be difficult to pry away from Milwaukee, the Orioles could make an aggressive move, especially with the team’s rising payroll and growing interest in contending for a World Series. Adding Burnes would solidify the top of the rotation and give the Orioles a true front-line starter who can dominate in big games.

 

Both Fried and Burnes are expected to command significant contracts in the coming years. Fried, a free agent after the 2024 season, could be a prime target for the Orioles to acquire via trade, with the idea of locking him down to a long-term extension. Burnes, who has already signed a one-year deal for 2024, could also be looking at a massive deal in the near future, either with the Brewers or a new team. The Orioles have the financial flexibility to make a competitive offer to either pitcher, potentially giving them the edge in a bidding war.

 

In conclusion, with both Max Fried and Corbin Burnes expected to secure significant deals in the coming years, the Baltimore Orioles are wisely positioning themselves to be in the conversation. Their young roster and promising future make them an appealing destination for top-tier pitchers, and acquiring either Fried or Burnes could help push the team into true World Series contention. Whether through trade or signing a new deal, the Orioles are poised to make a splash this offseason in their quest to build a championship-caliber rotation.