What Corbin Burnes Late Night Departure Means For Orioles. As Fan Favorite Right-Hander Signs With Diamondbacks. GM Mike Elias Reveals Perfect Replacement, As O’s Are Set To Steal Padres Dream Target To Pair With Sugano.

The Baltimore Orioles made a bold offseason move by acquiring right-hander Corbin Burnes, signaling their intent to contend in the American League.

However, Orioles fans were dealt a late-night shock when Burnes, a former Cy Young winner, opted to sign a lucrative long-term deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks instead of remaining in Baltimore beyond 2024.

The move leaves a significant hole in the O’s rotation, but general manager Mike Elias appears to have a plan in place.

With Burnes out of the picture, the Orioles are pivoting toward a replacement that could not only soften the blow of losing their ace but also elevate their World Series aspirations.

Reports suggest that Baltimore is aggressively pursuing a top-tier arm, and sources close to the team believe they are set to steal the San Diego Padres’ dream target: a frontline pitcher to pair with Tomoyuki Sugano.

Sugano, the Japanese right-hander who has found his footing in MLB, was already a crucial part of Baltimore’s rotation plans.

The Orioles had hoped Burnes would be their ace alongside him, but now they must rethink their approach.

Instead of dwelling on Burnes’ departure, Elias is reportedly eyeing a pitcher the Padres have long coveted, aiming to turn Baltimore’s rotation into a formidable force.

The Padres, desperate to reinforce their pitching staff after losing Blake Snell in free agency, had identified this pitcher as their priority target.

But now, the Orioles are positioned to outbid them, utilizing their deep farm system and newfound aggressiveness in the trade market.

Names like Dylan Cease and Jesús Luzardo have been floated as potential acquisitions, but the exact target remains undisclosed.

For Baltimore fans, losing Burnes is a tough pill to swallow. He was expected to be the anchor of a young and promising rotation, leading them deep into October.

However, Elias’ ability to quickly pivot to another elite arm demonstrates the front office’s commitment to keeping the Orioles in contention.

If the O’s successfully land their replacement, they will not only maintain their status as AL East contenders but also deal a significant blow to a National League rival in the Padres.

While Burnes’ decision may sting in the short term, Baltimore’s proactive approach ensures that their championship window remains wide open.

Now, all eyes are on Elias and the Orioles. Can they complete their bold pivot and steal the Padres’ prized pitching target? If so, Baltimore fans may soon have a new ace to rally behind.