The Baltimore Orioles have taken steps to bolster their rotation following the unexpected departure of ace Corbin Burnes after just one season.
Burnes, the 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner, was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers before the 2024 season. During his lone year in Baltimore, he earned an All-Star nod, finishing with a 15-9 record, a 2.92 ERA, and a 128 ERA+. He tallied 181 strikeouts over 194⅓ innings and placed fifth in AL Cy Young voting.
However, Burnes shocked many by signing a six-year, $210 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, including an opt-out after two years and $64 million in deferred payments. His departure leaves the Orioles without a clear ace, and while their latest move adds rotation depth, it doesn’t fully address the gap left behind.
On Friday, the Orioles announced the signing of 17-year veteran and two-time All-Star Charlie Morton to a one-year, $15 million contract, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Morton, who spent the last four seasons with the Atlanta Braves, made at least 30 starts annually and exceeded 163 innings each year. Despite a decline in strikeouts—from 216 to 167—and fluctuating ERA+ figures, Morton remains a reliable presence. In 2024, he went 8-10 with a 4.19 ERA, 99 ERA+,
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