The Baltimore Orioles have made significant moves to bolster their pitching staff for the upcoming season. Concerned about the performance of their young pitchers in the playoffs, the Orioles acquired former All-Star pitcher Corbin Burnes in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers. Burnes, a former National League Cy Young Award winner, brings a wealth of experience and is expected to be a key addition to the team's rotation.
In addition to Burnes, the Orioles also signed veteran closer Craig Kimbrel, who has over 400 career saves. Kimbrel's presence is seen as crucial, especially with the team's closer Felix Bautista sidelined due to injury. Kimbrel's experience and leadership are expected to benefit the younger pitchers on the team.
The Orioles are looking to build on their success from last season when they led the American League with 101 wins. Despite their regular-season dominance, the team fell short in the playoffs, prompting the front office to make strategic moves to strengthen the roster.
Burnes will be stepping into the roster spot left by Kyle Gibson, who departed via free agency. With a salary of $15,637,500 for the season, Burnes becomes the highest-paid player on the Orioles roster. However, his impending free agency status adds a layer of uncertainty to his future with the team.
Alongside Burnes, the Orioles are expected to rely on a young rotation featuring pitchers like Grayson Rodriguez, Kyle Bradish, Dean Kremer, and John Means. The team also has depth in the bullpen with set-up men Yannier Cano and Danny Coulombe supporting Kimbrel in closing out games.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the Orioles will face tough competition from teams like the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays, who have made significant roster improvements. Despite the challenges, the Orioles' financial flexibility due to their youthful roster gives them room to maneuver in a competitive division.
With a payroll ranking 29th among all MLB teams, the Orioles are focused on building a winning team for the present while also keeping an eye on the future. The additions of Burnes and Kimbrel signal the team's commitment to contending in the upcoming season.
