Orioles’ Updated Starting Rotation, Payroll After Corbin Burnes Trade

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The Baltimore Orioles addressed their need for pitching help in a major way, acquiring Milwaukee Brewers ace Corbin Burnes in a blockbuster trade on Thursday night.

In order to bring in the former Cy Young Award-winner, the Orioles gave up infielder Joey Ortiz, left-handed pitcher D.L. Hall, and the No. 34 pick in the 2024 draft (via ESPN’s Jeff Passan). Burnes is coming off his third consecutive All-Star appearance in 2023, recording 200 strikeouts in 193.2 innings of work to go along with a 3.39 ERA.

Here’s a look at the Orioles’ updated rotation and payroll following the marquee acquisition.

2024 Projected Starting Rotation

On Jan. 11, Burnes and the Brewers agreed to a one-year deal worth just over $15.6 million for the 2024 season to avoid arbitration (per Jon Heyman of the New York Post). The writing was on the wall for a trade, as the 29-year-old discussed his cloudy future and lack of a contract extension with the organization during a Nov. 17 appearance on Foul Territory TV.

“I think a couple years ago, I was probably open to going and getting something done, but I think at this point, both sides know we’re a year away from free agency and want to see what the market can bring,” said Burnes.

For the Orioles, Burnes gives the team an elite option at the top of the rotation. After a 101-win season that unceremoniously ended with a sweep in the American League Division Series, Baltimore is expecting a deeper postseason run. The team currently has an estimated 2024 payroll of $96 million, per FanGraphs.

This could be a risky deal, as Burnes is slated to hit free agency at the end of his 2024 season. However, new owner David Rubenstein is already showing that he’s series about the success of his club.