This offseason has proven one thing and one thing only: Scott Boras is a controversial figure who has impacted free agency. He is holding out on all his clients, from left-handed pitchers Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell to power-hitting designated hitters JD Martinez and Jorge Soler. There are still numerous talented players yet to sign, and with spring training just about a week away, there needs to be more urgency for these players to get signed! Teams seem reluctant to meet the asking prices, which are often perceived as being through the roof. Not every team is constructed with the mindset of the Dodgers, who can seemingly spend $1.2 billion in a single offseason. Many teams prefer to weigh their variables and wait until the price is right. This is why several teams have chosen to play it safe and rely on the economical route, avoiding signing players with a blank check.

This offseason has witnessed more trades than free-agent signings. Though these trades may not always be the prettiest or make the most sense, teams relying on quieter moves and trades often find more long-term success. Notable trades include Juan Soto being moved to the Bronx and the Rays capitalizing on Tyler Glasnow. The latest trade making waves in MLB is the one that sent Milwaukee Brewers’ longtime ace, Corbin Burnes, to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for two top 100 prospects, left-handed pitcher DL Hall, quick-hitting shortstop Joey Ortiz, and a draft pick in this year’s draft.

Corbin Burnes spent all six years of his career with the Brewers, accumulating a 45-27 record and a career ERA of 3.26. He broke out in 2018, going 7-0 with a 2.61 ERA in 38 innings pitched. Since 2020, he has solidified himself as a star-caliber pitcher, being a three-time All-Star, winning the ERA title in 2021 (2.43), and winning the Cy Young that year. Burnes has been a cornerstone for the rotation, forming a dangerous trio with Woodruff and Freddy Peralta. Now, with Woodruff a free agent and Burnes traded, it’s a new era for Brewers baseball. The Brewers hope that DL Hall can develop into a strong starting pitcher as they control him for the next 6-7 years.

DL Hall struggled to stay consistent with his command in the minors. Over the past season, split between the minors and MLB, DL Hall had a 3.62 ERA in 71 professional innings pitched. Prior to 2023, he held a career 4.30 ERA from rookie ball to Triple-A, but his high upside cannot be understated. The Brewers traded for him for a reason, as he boasts an 80-grade fastball and a 28.4% strikeout rate. The Brewers have a track record of tweaking pitchers, and they see potential in Hall. Joey Ortiz is a valuable addition for the Brewers, possibly blocked by Willy Adames at short but versatile enough to shift to 3rd base. He hit .321/.378/.507 in 389 AAA plate appearances in 2023 and provides double-plus defense. Both prospects are top 100 talents and represent the future of the organization.

Burnes’s time with the Brewers has come to an end, and his new chapter with the Orioles has begun. It’s likely a one-year rental, as Burnes awaits free agency, intending to secure a lucrative deal. As a Scott Boras client, he will likely wait for the highest offers. Seeing a star pitcher leave for another team is a painful experience for baseball fans. Speaking from personal experience, witnessing Jacob deGrom sign with the Texas Rangers broke my heart, but sometimes, it’s for the best. Burnes gave his all for the Brewers, and despite never winning a World Series, he came close. It’s time to let him go. The complications with his arbitration agreement last year damaged the relationship, and now it’s time to embrace what the Brewers have for the future in Joey Ortiz and DL Hall. You never know what they could turn out to be, especially the draft pick. 😉