The Baltimore Orioles are unlikely to re-sign ace this offseason, as Burnes is expected to secure a contract worth around $250 million, a figure the Orioles are unlikely to match.
As an alternative, the Orioles could pursue several other pitchers, and Bleacher Report’s speculated that Baltimore might sign player to a four-year, $88 million deal.
Rymer noted, “There were stretches in 2024 when Flaherty pitched like a No. 1 starter, but there were also times when he did not. Flaherty had a 2.95 ERA when the Dodgers traded for him from the Detroit Tigers in July, and he delivered two strong playoff performances, including a seven-inning scoreless outing in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series.
“Even if some teams don’t view him as a true No. 1, Flaherty still has notable strengths, such as excellent peripherals this year, including an elite strikeout-to-walk ratio and whiff rate. Since he isn’t tied to draft pick compensation, it’s possible Flaherty could land a nine-figure deal. If not, he’ll likely come very close.”
The Orioles traded for Flaherty at the 2023 MLB trade deadline, but his stint in Baltimore was disappointing, as he allowed 26 earned runs in 34 2/3 innings. However, Flaherty performed well last year, and with the veteran’s contract demands aligning with Baltimore’s budget, a reunion seems like a logical move, especially given the Orioles’ chances of missing out on Burnes.
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