The Orioles’ offseason strategy has been thrown into disarray.
In a move that has sent shockwaves
throughout the baseball world, Corbin
Burnes and Anthony Santander have
both declined the $21.05 million
qualifying offer from the Baltimore
Orioles. The star duo is now set to test
the free agency waters, seeking larger
multi-year deals that will undoubtedly
make them two of the highest-paid
players in the game.
The news is a significant blow to the
Orioles’ free agency plans, as the team
had been hoping to retain the services of
both Burnes and Santander. The duo has
been instrumental in the Orioles’ recent
success, with Burnes establishing himself
as one of the top pitchers in the
American League and Santander
emerging as a dominant force in the
middle of the lineup.
By declining the qualifying offer, Burnes
and Santander are now free to negotiate
with any team in the majors. The move is
a clear indication that both players are
seeking long-term deals that will provide
them with financial security and
stability.
The Orioles had been hopeful of
retaining Burnes, who has been a key
member of the team’s rotation since his
debut in 2018. The 29-year-old right-
hander has established himself as one of
the top pitchers in the American League,
with a career ERA of 3.72 and 512
strikeouts in 562.1 innings pitched.
Santander, meanwhile, has been a
dominant force in the middle of the
Orioles’ lineup. The 29-year-old
outfielder has hit .261 with 54 home runs
and 162 RBIs in 342 games with the
Orioles, and has established himself as
one of the top power hitters in the
American League.
The loss of Burnes and Santander would
be a significant blow to the Orioles’
chances of competing for a playoff spot
in 2025. The team had been hoping to
build on its recent success, but the
departure of two of its key players would
undoubtedly make that task more
difficult.
As the Orioles look to regroup and
rebuild, the team will undoubtedly be
keeping a close eye on the free agency
market. With a number of top players
available, the Orioles may look to make a
splash in free agency in order to fill the
void left by Burnes and Santander.
One thing is certain, however: the
Orioles will not be the same team
without Corbin Burnes and Anthony
Santander. The duo has been
instrumental in the team’s recent
success, and their departure will
undoubtedly be felt deeply.
As the baseball world waits with bated
breath to see where Burnes and
Santander will end up, one thing is clear:
the Orioles’ free agency plans have been
dealt a significant blow.
