MLB

MLB Offseason Roundup: Brewers Trade Ace to Orioles

Published

3 months ago

February 2, 2024

This is one in a series of daily articles highlighting the latest news and notes from the MLB offseason.

As the winter moved on, there was a growing sense that the Milwaukee Brewers might hang on to Corbin Burnes after widespread trade speculation.

However, the Baltimore Orioles made a surprise deal to acquire the right-hander on Thursday night. In exchange, the Brewers netted infielder Joey Ortiz, left-hander DL Hall and the 34th-overall pick in this year’s draft.

Burnes has established himself as one of the premier arms in the sport since the 2020 season. The following year, Burnes was awarded the National League Cy Young as he led baseball with a 2.43 ERA.

That 2021 season was the first of three-consecutive All-Star selections for the 29-year-old right-hander. He finished this past season 10-8 with a 3.39 ERA across 32 starts.

It’s a major move for the Orioles’ rotation as they look to defend their American League East crown. Burnes joins closer Craig Kimbrel as Baltimore’s notable additions this MLB offseason.

Heading the other way, Ortiz was rated as MLB Pipeline’s 63rd-best prospect. The 25-year-old made his major-league debut in 2023 and collected seven hits in 33 at-bats (.212 batting average). The bulk of his season came in Triple-A, where he hit .321 with an .885 OPS, 30 doubles, nine homers and 58 RBIs in 88 games.

Hall served as a reliable bullpen arm when he was in the big leagues for the Orioles in 2023, but he could be an option for the Brewers’ rotation. In 18 relief appearances with Baltimore last season. the left-hander posted a 3.26 ERA.

The 34th pick in the 2024 draft falls in the Competitive Balance Round A. Compensation picks are the only draft choices allowed to be traded.