Corbin Burnes Trade Analysis: Orioles Score A for Acquiring Ace, Brewers Settle for C with Lackluster Return

Oh boy, did the Baltimore Orioles make waves last Thursday night or what? They snagged Cy Young-winning pitcher Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers. Talk about a headline grabber! The Brewers, on their end, didn’t just shake hands and walk away. They got themselves two promising young talents: shortstop Joey Ortiz and left-handed pitcher DL Hall. Oh, and let’s not forget that juicy competitive balance round draft pick coming in July.

Now, adding Burnes to their roster? That’s just the cherry on top of an already eventful week for the Orioles. With David Rubenstein stepping in as the new owner soon, things are looking up. But let’s not leave the Brewers in the dust. They’re on the brink of something new themselves. With Burnes and Brandon Woodruff packing their bags, and the departure of big names like David Stearns and Craig Counsell, it’s clear they’re gearing up for a fresh start.

CBS Sports jumped right on this, offering up their instant analysis. They’ve dissected every angle of this trade, giving us the lowdown on each player moving and how both teams fared. So, here’s the deal in a nutshell: Orioles get their ace in Burnes, and the Brewers welcome Ortiz, Hall, and that 34th draft pick.

Orioles grade: A

The Orioles have been sitting on a goldmine of position player depth. It was only a matter of time before they made a move. Remember those four blocked prospects we talked about last month? Well, it seems like the Orioles took that to heart, especially with Ortiz, who was practically playing musical chairs with Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday. Now, they’ve got Burnes, and who knows? Maybe they’re not done dealing yet.

Burnes is a beast on the mound. Since 2020, this guy has been among the elite starters in baseball. His arsenal? A mid-90s cutter, a curveball that batters can’t seem to hit, and a changeup that just confuses everyone. And let’s not forget his 2021 Cy Young Award. The man’s consistency is off the charts.

But here’s the kicker: Burnes is nearing free agency. The Orioles, however, are sitting pretty with their finances. They’ve got room to play, and keeping Burnes around for the long haul seems like a no-brainer. Will they? That’s the million-dollar question.

Brewers grade: C

The Brewers know their stuff. They’ve been in the game, keeping things competitive without breaking the bank. But this trade? It feels like they could’ve pushed for a bit more. Maybe they see something in Ortiz and Hall that we don’t, or perhaps they were backed into a corner without much leverage.

Ortiz, despite a less-than-stellar showing in the majors last season, has shown promise. His time in Triple-A was impressive, and his defensive skills? Top-notch. He’s got potential, and the Brewers are banking on it.

Hall’s another interesting piece. His time in the majors has been a mixed bag, but the talent is there. The Brewers have a knack for polishing pitchers, so Hall might just find his groove under their guidance. Whether he ends up starting or relieving, only time will tell.

And that 34th draft pick? It’s a bit of a gamble. History shows it can go either way, but who knows? Maybe the Brewers strike gold.

In the end, this trade’s got everyone talking. The Orioles are beefing up their rotation, and the Brewers? They’re playing the long game. Let’s see how this all pans out.