Last offseason, the Baltimore Orioles went out and acquired Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers in a move that finally solidified their rotation and gave them an ace.
Burnes guided the Orioles to the postseason, but they were swept in the American League Wild Card Series by the Kansas City Royals.
Burnes is set to become a free agent, and the Orioles aren't always a team that spends big money on free agents.
Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report noted that they have a tough decision to make, that being whether to even try and re-sign Burnes.
"The O's haven't been big spenders in the past, but they're no longer owned by a band of infighting cheapskates. Maybe, just maybe, a $300 million deal for the 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner is feasible," Rymer wrote. "It seems like a reach, though. And even if it's not, there's a strong argument that such money would be better put toward extensions for the club's many homegrown stars and/or a new deal with slugging right fielder Anthony Santander."
The Orioles also could spend the money on Max Fried or another starting pitcher. Or if they want to let Burnes walk, they can focus on extensions or re-signing Santander while adding a pitcher via trade.
This is a tough decision that they are going to have to make. Burnes will be one of, if not the most expensive starter on the market.
New owner David Rubenstein may be more willing to spend than John Angelos, but Burnes won't be easy to retain.
His market will certainly be competitive after another strong year, and it will be interesting to see just how things play out. Will Baltimore keep Burnes or be forced to let him walk?
More MLB: Orioles trade proposal swaps prospects for projected $130 million ace
