Not many things would show the difference between the current Orioles ownership and the previous group than the team opening up its bank vault to pay a top-end free agent starting pitcher. Corbin Burnes, acquired in February with the knowledge that he would test free agency after one year, pitched like an ace for most of the 2024 season and he’s out there looking to get paid like one.
Is this actually a risk that Orioles GM Mike Elias will seriously consider taking? Based on his behavior up to this point, it’s hard to imagine, but the signs are there that the team is going farther than I’d already have thought.