Baltimore Orioles' Ace Pursuit Dealt Tough Blow Following Mets Trade

With the Baltimore Orioles still possibly pursuing an ace this offseason, one of their potential targets might not be on the market following a New York Mets trade.

Will the Baltimore Orioles be aggressive in the trade market and get the top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher that they reportedly have been pursuing this offseason?

That's the biggest question surrounding this franchise right now.

The Orioles' infield defense and lineup looks set for the future with two bona fide young stars already on their roster and multiple top prospects waiting in their farm system.

With starting pitching being their clear weakness comparatively, they've been seen as suitors for some of the aces that have been made available.

One of Baltimore's potential targets was Milwaukee Brewers' starter and former NL Cy Young Winner, Corbin Burnes.

After being viewed as a player likely to be traded this offseason as the Brewers seemingly are looking to start a rebuild, that move is now unknown if it actually will occur.

"The Brewers’ willingness to trade right-hander Corbin Burnes remains unclear. But the possibility exists that the team might carry Burnes into the season because of owner Mark Attanasio’s desire to compete and avoid the type of backlash the team received for trading Josh Hader at the 2022 deadline, according to major-league sources briefed on the team’s thinking," Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

This also comes on the heels of Milwaukee trading their starting pitcher, Adrian Houser, to the New York Mets on Dec. 20.

If the owner truly wants to compete instead of rebuild, then it would not make sense for them to move their ace, no matter what the return brings.

That would be a huge blow in the Orioles' pursuit of trying to add an elite starter.

Not only would one of the best pitchers no longer be available, but fewer options means the asking price would increase for other teams looking to move their pitchers this offseason.