After acquiring Corbin Burnes from the Brewers this week, the Orioles were able to boast their first true ace in a long time.
The action showed that the young team, which is in the process of being sold, is committed to winning the American League East and prepared to defend its title. In their own division, the Yankees now have an additional arm to contend with as they attempt to improve on their 2023 fourth-place result.
Aaron Boone remarked, “That could be a little bit of a problem,” on Saturday at an autograph signing at the American Dream mall in New Jersey. That was how I initially felt. Of course, a fantastic pitcher joining a top team. There will be plenty of them, and we’re excited about the chance to compete with the greatest.
Taken for DL Hall, Joey Ortiz, and a competitive balance pick in 2020, Burnes has a 2.86 ERA since 2020 and finished with a 3.39 ERA last season. The 29-year-old will be eligible for free agency at the end of the season, so he won’t have many opportunities to harass the Yankees. He might even become a target again following rumours that the two parties were connected this offseason.
For the time being, Burnes provides the Orioles with a Cy Young winner of their own, capable of competing with Gerrit Cole, the winner from this past season.
With regard to the possible matchup, Boone stated, “I’m sure that’ll happen at some point.” “The timing of the schedule is unpredictable. We’re hoping to get a little bit of revenge on him because he faced us late in the season and performed admirably in the Bronx.
In fact, when Milwaukee came to New York towards the end of the 2023 season, Burnes dominated the Yankees. On September 10, the three-time All-Star struck out seven batters while holding the Bombers scoreless for eight innings in their matchup with Cole. Although Burnes had only made one career start against the Pinstripers, he had no trouble handling them despite Cole throwing seven scoreless innings and the Yankees winning in extra innings.
Burnes will have to contend with a Yankees lineup that has some balance and added Juan Soto this season. This season, the Yankees should be a greater threat to the right-hander and the Orioles if Soto, Aaron Judge, and other hitters remain healthy.
