The Baltimore Orioles wrapped up a successful 2024 regular season with a 91-71 record. For the second consecutive year, they finished more than 20 games above .500, yet they fell short once again in the first round of the postseason.
Ahead of the season, the Orioles made strategic moves to boost their playoff chances, including acquiring ace pitcher Corbin Burnes. With Burnes set to hit the free-agent market before the 2025 season, MLB Insider Kiley McDaniel has projected his potential earnings. McDaniel forecasts that Burnes could secure a deal worth over $200 million in free agency.
Before joining the Orioles in 2024, Burnes spent his career with the Milwaukee Brewers. His 2024 campaign saw him make 32 starts, recording a 15-9 record, a 2.92 ERA, and 181 strikeouts in 194.1 innings pitched.
In the postseason, Burnes delivered a solid performance against the Kansas City Royals, throwing eight innings with five hits allowed, one earned run, one walk, and three strikeouts. His strong showing throughout the regular season and postseason has solidified his status as an ace-caliber pitcher, likely positioning him for a lucrative contract this offseason.
Other free-agent starting pitchers, such as Blake Snell, Jack Flaherty, and Max Fried, will also be available. It remains to be seen whether the Orioles will aggressively pursue re-signing Burnes before the start of the 2025 season.