Baltimore Received: Corbin Burnes
Milwaukee Received: Joey Ortiz, DL Hall and 34th Pick in the 2024 Draft
Sparked by a fired-up Milwaukee roster poising the question, it got me wondering where the discussion stands as we enter summer.
As a Brewers fan, I must disclose my disappointment when I heard the haul that we received for arguably the best pitcher Milwaukee has had in recent memory. Two Major League ready prospects, neither that excited me too much at first glance, did not seem like adequate compensation for a Cy Young winner. It felt like an embodiment of what rooting for a small market feels like, dealing away stars before even knowing what the team on the field could be capable of. Preferably, falling somewhere in between what Milwaukee did with Burnes, and what the Angels did with Ohtani seems like the sweet spot.
Now that the Brewers are off to an impressive start, holding a sizable lead in the division, and looking like a capable postseason threat, my mentality has shifted. Whether or not that shift in opinion is short sighted, only time will tell.
As for Burnes, he has been everything Baltimore has wanted and more. Currently holding a 2.14 ERA, Burnes is the ace that the Orioles can confidently throw in a Game 7. As of now, there is not a soul within 100 miles of Camden Yards that would redo that deal. The key phrase there is “as of now”.
While the jury is still out on the future career accolades of the trio of Diaz, Hall and that 34th overall pick (possible Hall of Famer?), the value of the Burnes deal for Baltimore depends on a few factors. One, how far can Baltimore go with the former NL Cy Young Winner? And two, can they convince Burnes to remain with the Orioles? With his contract coming to an end at years end, and a hefty payday likely on the horizon, it is possible that Burnes may be nothing more than a rental in 2024. If Baltimore can keep Burnes, and he has 6 or 7 years of ace level contributions, it might be irrelevant how Ortiz, Hall and the draft pick do (barring superstar breakouts).
Luckily for Milwaukee, the departure of Burnes did not send them to the cellar of the National League. They, at least at the moment, have not missed a beat. Hall, who is currently on the 60-Day Injured List, struggled in limited appearances so far in 2024. He is only 25 years old and is still not eligible for arbitration for a few seasons, so Milwaukee will have time to see what he can turn into.
Ortiz, on the other hand, as had more success in first full season in the Major Leagues. He currently has an OPS (On Base Percentage Plus Slugging Percentage) of .858, which would be top-15 in the Majors if he had enough plate appearances. Over 181 at bats, Ortiz has 6 home runs, 4 stolen bases and a .383 on base percentage. Ortiz has impressive plate discipline, walking more than the MLB average, while striking out less than the MLB average.
All things considered, and only 3 months into the season, both teams seem pretty happy with the immediate results. That being said, with the Brewers having control of Hall and Ortiz until at least 2030, holding a commanding divisional lead, and an unwritten story with the 34th pick in this year’s draft, the arrow of victory is currently pointing towards the Brew Crew. And yes, I am a bit biased.
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