Amid another standout season potentially worthy of a Cy Young, Baltimore Orioles’ ace Corbin Burnes is poised for a substantial payday in free agency.
In a June 13 column on Bleacher Report, Zachary D. Rymer predicts that the 29-year-old pitcher will sign an eight-year, $288 million contract.
“Coming off his age-29 season, Burnes will be a year older than Gerrit Cole was when he signed his nine-year, $324 million deal after the 2019 season,” Rymer wrote. “Even if it’s one year shorter, Burnes’ next contract could match Cole’s average annual value. If so, we’re looking at a significant deal.”
Tim Britton had earlier forecasted that Burnes would secure an eight-year, $260 million contract before the season began on March 4.
Burnes has been in excellent form in 2024, posting a 7-2 record with 82 strikeouts and 8 home runs allowed in 86.2 innings pitched. He boasts a stellar 2.08 ERA and is tied for the most quality starts this season with 11.
Burnes isn’t the only pending free agent for the Orioles. Starting right-fielder Anthony Santander is also seeking a new contract.
Rymer predicts Santander will sign a four-year, $60 million deal in free agency.
“With hitters like Anthony Santander, you have good hitters and great hitters,” Rymer wrote. “He’s in that in-between zone more than people realize.”
Santander is currently batting .225/.303/.466 with 14 home runs and 37 RBIs. As of June 13, he has 16 hits in his last 14 games, including 5 home runs and 8 RBIs.
The Orioles face some tough decisions with Burnes’ negotiations looming, as well as the future of key veterans like Santander, Cedric Mullins, and Austin Hays.
Burnes remains focused on improvement, despite his strong performances.
“I feel like I’ve thrown the ball well, but there’s still a lot of room to improve,” Burnes said on June 10. “My goal is to be as prepared as possible and execute pitches for as long as I can.”
With Burnes continuing to impress, the Orioles are poised to invest heavily in their ace pitcher.
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