Orioles' New Pitcher Burnes Seems Excited to Work With Adley Rutschman
The Baltimore Orioles' decision to trade for Corbin Burnes was a smart one. Burnes is arguably the best pitcher in baseball when he is at his best and was exactly what this Orioles team needed.
Concerns about him being a one-year rental are heard, but the front office's job is to show him that they are willing to win and pay him whatever he wants when the time comes. Burnes is just 29 years old and fits this young, talented team's timeline well.
A new change of scenery always brings challenges and Burnes understands that. One of those main ones will be throwing to a new catcher in Adley Rutschman, which will be a work in progress for Rutschman too.
Despite those challenges, Burnes is excited to get to work with him. He had the following to say on Foul Territory.
"One of the most exciting young catchers in the game ... Have those conversations with him, throw bullpens to him, get comfortable with him back there, get him comfortable with me."
Burnes then added that it is a longer process than most realize.
Rutschman is regarded as one of the top defensive catchers in baseball, which should help them get on the same page a bit quicker. If not, they do have all Spring Training and parts of the season to figure each other out.
Burnes was not added to come in and only win regular season games. Baltimore made this move because they want to compete in the postseason after getting swept in the ALDS against the Texas Rangers last year.
Adding a three-time All-Star and Cy Young Award winner should get them closer to accomplishing those postseason goals.
