JUST IN: After a Crushing Blow with Corbin Burnes Heading to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles Shock the Baseball World by Signing Two-Time All-Star Pitcher in a Bold, High-Profile Move.

The Baltimore Orioles are taking steps to reinforce their pitching rotation after losing Corbin Burnes following just one season with the team.

Burnes, who was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers ahead of the 2024 season, delivered a standout performance, earning an All-Star selection with a 15-9 record, a 2.92 ERA, and 128 ERA+. He struck out 181 batters in 194⅓ innings and finished fifth in American League Cy Young voting. However, Burnes made a surprise move by signing a six-year, $210 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, which includes an opt-out after two years and $64 million in deferred payments.

Burnes’ departure left the Orioles without a clear ace. While their latest signing helps add depth to the rotation, it doesn’t fully fill the gap left by Burnes.

In response, the Orioles have signed two-time All-Star Charlie Morton, a 17-year veteran, to a one-year, $15 million deal. Morton, who spent the last four years with the Atlanta Braves, has consistently made at least 30 starts per season, though his strikeout numbers have dropped in recent years—from 216 to 167. In 2024, Morton posted an 8-10 record with a 4.19 ERA and a 99 ERA+.

With Morton’s addition, the Orioles’ starting rotation now includes Zach Eflin, Grayson Rodriguez, and newly-signed Tomoyuki Sugano in the top four spots. The fifth starter position could be filled by Dean Kremer, Cade Povich, Trevor Rogers, or Chayce McDermott. The team has also been linked to Jack Flaherty and has the prospects necessary to pursue trades for pitchers like Dylan Cease or Luis Castillo.

The Orioles are focused on improving after a disappointing end to last season, which saw them eliminated in the Wild Card round by the Kansas City Royals.

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