The Baltimore Orioles are bracing for significant roster turnover as eight of their players, including star pitcher Corbin Burnes and slugger Anthony Santander, officially entered free agency on Thursday. The mass exodus marks a critical juncture for the franchise as they look to remain competitive in the tough American League East.
Burnes Leads O’s Free Agent Class
Ace right-hander Corbin Burnes highlights the Orioles’ free agent departures. The 30-year-old is fresh off a stellar season in which he went 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA, solidifying himself as one of baseball’s elite starters. Burnes, the 2021 National League Cy Young winner with Milwaukee, proved he could thrive in the AL after an offseason trade to Baltimore.
Joining Burnes on the open market is power-hitting outfielder Anthony Santander. The 30-year-old Venezuelan launched 44 home runs and drove in 102 runs in 2024, providing crucial middle-of-the-order production. His bat will be highly sought after by multiple teams.
Other Notable Orioles Free Agents:
- LHP John Means
- C James McCann
- OF Austin Slater
- RHP Brooks Kriske
- OF Daniel Johnson*
- RHP Burch Smith*
*Elected free agency instead of accepting minor league assignment.
The potential loss of Means, a homegrown talent and former All-Star, would be especially painful for Orioles fans. The southpaw returned in 2024 after missing nearly two full seasons due to Tommy John surgery but wasn’t quite able to recapture his previous form.
Reloading for 2025
As Orioles GM Mike Elias surveys the free agent landscape, he faces difficult decisions about which players to prioritize re-signing and which holes to fill externally. The young core of Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Heston Kjerstad provides a strong foundation, but surrounding them with proven talent is paramount.
“It’s never easy seeing key contributors walk out the door, but that’s the reality of the business we’re in,” Elias told reporters. “We’re going to be strategic and aggressive in building a roster that can get us back to the postseason.”
– Mike Elias, Baltimore Orioles General Manager
Armed with a top-10 farm system and financial flexibility thanks to expiring contracts, Baltimore could be poised to make some major moves. However, they will have plenty of competition, with division rivals like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays also looking to reload.
Free Agency Storylines to Watch
Beyond the Orioles’ situation, the 2024-25 MLB free agent class offers no shortage of storylines:
- Lucas Giolito’s future: The oft-injured righty exercised his $19M option with Boston for 2025 after missing all of 2024, but can he rebound to his All-Star form?
- White Sox decline Moncada’s option: Chicago is cutting ties with the former top prospect. Does the 29-year-old still have untapped potential?
- Cardinals clean house: St. Louis said goodbye to pitchers Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, and Keynan Middleton. How will they revamp their staff?
As the hot stove starts to simmer, one thing is clear: the Orioles have their work cut out for them in replacing Burnes, Santander, and other key pieces. But in the unpredictable world of MLB roster-building, they just might have some magic up their sleeves. Stay tuned as the offseason unfolds.
