Orioles projected $215 million star predicted to leave in free agency

The Baltimore Orioles fought hard in 2024 but were unable to make a deep playoff run.

Baltimore had high hopes for the 2024 season and even acquired ace Corbin Burnes in a blockbuster deal ahead of the season, but things just didn't work out in the postseason. The Orioles won 91 games in the regular but were upset in the playoffs by the Kansas City Royals.

The Orioles now have a tough decision to make this winter. Will Burnes return? He will be the most coveted pitcher in free agency this winter. He is projected to get $215 million, and FanSided's Zachary Rotman predicted it won't be from the Orioles.

"The Orioles should want to move on from (Seranthony Dominguez), (Gregory Soto), and (Eloy Jimenez), but Corbin Burnes is an entirely different story," Rotman said. "He's a player that the Orioles absolutely should want to bring back. It's just really hard to see that happening.

"The reason Baltimore was able to acquire Burnes, a bonafide ace, without giving up what appeared to be too much is because Burnes was entering his final season of club control...The Orioles should have more money to spend, but that doesn't mean that they'll be competing with the big market teams who need starting pitching, especially when extending the young, talented players that they have right now should be a priority."

Burnes was everything the Orioles could've hoped for this season, but there will be plenty of competition for his services, and it isn't clear if the team is willing to spend what it will cost. Unfortunately, he may only spend one year in Baltimore.

More MLB: Orioles' toughest offseason decision centers around ace's free agency