Will the Orioles’ Pitching Moves Be Enough to Land Juan Soto?

Orioles Pursue Pitching & the Juan Soto Free-Agent Sweepstakes: What’s Next for MLB’s Future Stars?

As the MLB offseason heats up, all eyes are on Juan Soto and the Baltimore Orioles. Both are making waves in the current free-agent frenzy, with Soto being one of the most sought-after stars in baseball and the Orioles actively pursuing key pitchers to bolster their lineup for the 2024 season.

Juan Soto: The Superstar Who Will Command a Historic Deal

Juan Soto, one of the best young talents in MLB, has become the center of attention during this offseason. After an incredible 2024 season, where he posted a 7.9 WAR with a stat line of .288/.419/.569, 41 home runs, and 109 RBIs, Soto is ready to test free agency. For much of the offseason, New York seemed like a lock for Soto’s future, with both the Yankees and Mets leading the charge. However, recent developments have suggested that the Red Sox and Mets are now the frontrunners, with the Yankees still involved but likely to cap their offer around $550 million.

The Red Sox, despite a disappointing finish with an 81-81 record, are looking to reassert themselves as playoff contenders, and Soto is seen as a perfect fit to help elevate their roster. With several teams like the Dodgers, Blue Jays, and Yankees still vying for Soto’s signature, it’s clear that he’s on the verge of securing one of the largest contracts in baseball history. The next few weeks will be crucial as MLB fans eagerly await to see where this superstar lands. 

Orioles’ Bold Move for Starting Pitching: The Search for a New Ace

On the other side of the equation, the Baltimore Orioles are making waves with their own strategic moves to strengthen their roster. After a strong 2023 season, the team is now shifting its focus to acquiring top-tier starting pitchers to bolster their rotation for 2024. The Orioles’ pursuit of high-end starting pitchers marks a significant change in their approach, signaling that they’re ready to compete at the highest level of MLB.

While Blake Snell has already signed with the Dodgers, the Orioles’ pursuit of pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Nathan Eovaldi shows their commitment to improving their staff. Corbin Burnes, a former Cy Young winner and consistent ace, is a name high on the Orioles’ radar. After posting a 2.92 ERA with 181 strikeouts over 194 ⅓ innings in 2024, Burnes’ appeal is undeniable. His stellar postseason performance, allowing just one run in eight innings in his lone playoff start, further proves his worth as a potential ace for any team. The Orioles are eager to land Burnes to add a dominant presence at the top of their rotation. #Orioles #CorbinBurnes #StartingPitching #MLBOffseason

For a more affordable option, the Orioles are also eyeing Nathan Eovaldi, who posted a 3.80 ERA and 166 strikeouts over 170 ⅔ innings for the Texas Rangers last season. While not as dominant as Burnes, Eovaldi’s strong postseason experience and consistent performance make him an intriguing choice to provide valuable depth to the Orioles’ starting rotation.

Orioles’ New Era: Aiming for AL East Dominance

The Orioles’ strategy to pursue high-caliber pitchers is a clear indication of their evolving approach to team-building. After years of rebuilding, the franchise is poised to take the next step toward competing with the big dogs of the AL East. The acquisitions of Burnes or Eovaldi could signal the beginning of a new era for the Orioles, who are looking to bolster their rotation and make a deeper postseason push in 2024.

As the Winter Meetings approach, expect more rumors, negotiations, and potential deals that could change the landscape of MLB. With key figures like Juan Soto and the Baltimore Orioles making bold moves, the offseason promises to be an exciting time for fans and teams alike.