The Baltimore Orioles shouldn’t anticipate this result with Corbin Burnes’ free agency.
Unless something unexpected happens, the Baltimore Orioles should be prepared to offer Corbin Burnes a blank check in the offseason if they hope to sign him. The right-hander is the second most in-demand free agent and has earned that status, as he’s arguably been the best starting pitcher in Major League Baseball over the past five seasons.
The Baltimore Orioles are unlikely to see Corbin Burnes accept a qualifying offer in the offseason. To keep Burnes, the Orioles will likely need to offer him a substantial contract, as the right-hander is the second most sought-after free agent, having been one of the best starting pitchers in MLB over the last five seasons.
While it’s improbable that Burnes would need to sign a one-year “prove-it” deal, unexpected free agency scenarios do happen, as was the case with Blake Snell. If Burnes’ free agency moves slowly, the Orioles could consider offering him a qualifying deal. This would allow them to receive a draft pick if he declines, which is the expected outcome as Burnes heads to free agency.
