The Baltimore Orioles are facing a major issue this winter. Two of their key players from the 2024 season, Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander, are set to become unrestricted free agents. There is growing speculation that both may secure more lucrative contracts with other teams, potentially leaving the Orioles in a difficult situation. ESPN’s David Schoenfield doesn’t anticipate Burnes returning to Baltimore. Instead, he predicts Burnes will sign a huge seven-year, $225 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, remaining in the American League East but wearing a different uniform. This scenario could be a worst-case outcome for the Orioles.
“So, they need to have a backup plan this time to be all-in for 2025. That means going after Burnes, the No. 2 player on our free agent board. Chris Bassitt is a free agent after 2025 and Kevin Gausman is too after 2026, so they’ll need a long-term reinforcement for the rotation,” Schoenfield wrote. “Sign Burnes, get a bounce-back season from (Bo) Bichette, strengthen the bullpen and the Jays could jump back into playoff contention. And they should sign (Vladimir) Guerrero while they’re at it.”
It seems highly unlikely that Baltimore will be able to match the financial offer if the Blue Jays make a strong push for Burnes. Schoenfield also predicts that the Mets will sign Juan Soto, which would remove them from the running for Burnes.
Toronto would essentially be competing against the Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and the San Francisco Giants in this bidding war. Given the situation, Toronto would likely be the front-runner in securing Burnes.
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