The Baltimore Orioles were one of the best teams in the league in 2024, but they face an uphill battle to return to that same level of play heading into 2025. Why, you may ask?
The Orioles have nine free agents this offseason. A few of them were negative WAR players, so those losses won’t sting. Then, there are a few mid-tier players that the Orioles are set to lose that they could replace internally or even explore the option of signing them back.
But Baltimore is also set to lose ace Corbin Burnes and home run leader Anthony Santander. Burnes would be the biggest loss and he’s anticipated to sign a mega-contract with a bigger market this free agency.
But MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand listed Burnes as a player that Baltimore could re-sign this offseason, noting that the ownership would have to pay him a pretty penny to keep him in town.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 22: Corbin Burnes #39 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Houston Astros at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 22, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 22: Corbin Burnes #39 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Houston Astros at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 22, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. G Fiume/Getty Images