Baltimore Orioles Reportedly May Trade for Top Ace This Winter

The Baltimore Orioles are more likely to made additions to their team via the trade market over spending in free agency. They reportedly could add an ace this winter by making a deal.

There's a lot of speculation about what the Baltimore Orioles could and should do this offseason as they're coming off of a year where they had the best record in the American League.

Conventional wisdom would suggest that the Orioles should open up their checkbooks and start signing top talent available in free agency.

But that's not what this organization does.

It would be very surprising if they suddenly reversed course from that philosophy and became heavy spenders.

It could happen, but it's unlikely.

If Baltimore wants to add top talent, they're going to do it via trade according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports.

"There’s also the possibility of the team inheriting a bigger contract via a trade, whether from the major league roster, a list of available prospects or a combination. No bidding wars," he reports.

One player they could turn their attention to is Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers

The right handed ace is entering the final year of his contract in 2024 and could likely be obtained for the right price.

Despite coming off winning an NL Cy Young Award in 2021, the Brewers have been reluctant to offer him a contract extension.

Burnes is the ace-level pitcher that the Orioles are looking for this offseason.

His estimated price of $14.1 million in 2024 would not be too expensive, compared to the other options in free agency, for a front office and ownership group that is very mindful about spending.

Baltimore should be moving into a direction of doing everything they can to acquire elite talent and surround their young stars with the best possible players.

They're clearly in win-now mode.

Acquiring Burnes would make them one of the best teams heading into next season.