Corbin Burnes’ 2024 MLB performance helped the Orioles make it to the playoffs. Burnes is a top free-agent starting pitcher who has garnered interest from several teams. Yet, the Orioles have not made him an offer. Fans were pleased with Burnes’ performance and are hoping for a reunion.
Instead, the O’s have signed Tomoyuki Sugano to a one-year $13 million deal. Sugano’s whole career was with the Yomiuri Giants, playing for the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization. The Japanese pitcher had a strong 1.67 ERA with 111 strikeouts last season. However, considering his age, Orioles fans are skeptical about his performance in the MLB.
Moreover, they are frustrated that the O’s picked Tomoyuki over Burnes. Fans took to social media to vent their frustration as they wanted a reunion with Corbin Burnes.
Right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a one-year, $13 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Sugano, 35, was one of the best pitchers in Japanese baseball this year, posting a 1.67 ERA and walking 16 against 111 strikeouts over 156.2 innings.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 17, 2024
“Corbin Burnes replacement,” wrote on fan.
Corbin Burnes replacement
— The Stroud Of Turin (@kp8912) December 17, 2024
“35 WTH?” asked one fan.
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35 WTH
— Max Loeser (@max_loeser) December 17, 2024
“At 35, Sugano is the oldest member of the Orioles by 14 years,” another fan responded.
At 35, Sugano is the oldest member of the Orioles by 14 years
— Steve Buchanan (@SBuchanan24) December 17, 2024
“He’s gonna be the oldest guy on the team,” another fan chipped in.
He's gonna be the oldest guy on the team
— Dodgers back-to-back champs (@Dodgers24Champs) December 17, 2024
“So they out on burned?” asked another fan.
So they out on burnes?
— Hot Takes (@Hot_Takes2) December 17, 2024
“The Baltimore Orioles have found their replacement for Corbin Burnes!” another fan said.
The Baltimore Orioles have found their replacement for Corbin Burnes!
— Mike Salvatore (@MikeSalvatore10) December 17, 2024
“This is NOT Corbin Burnes news,” one fan added.
This is NOT Corbin Burnes news
— Brendan ODonnell (@b_odonne11) December 17, 2024
“Someone doesn’t have Corbin Burnes money, and new ownership can’t change that,” one fan chimed in.
Someone doesn’t have Corbin burnes money, and new ownership can’t change that
— Kristian Campbell Enthusiast (@RedSoxFan1202) December 17, 2024
San Francisco Giants Emerge As Top Suitors For Corbin Burnes
Corbin Burnes is sure to be on a team one way or the other before the 2025 season. The Giants have emerged as top suitors for the four-time All-Star. San Francisco is in need of pitching arms, and Burnes would not be a disappointment.
The Giants have already signed Willy Adames, and this opens a way to bring in his former teammate, Burnes. Adames is helping the Giants recruit players, and Burnes to San Francisco makes perfect sense.
Corbin Burnes has a huge demand, and the O’s must act fast if they want to bring him back. After signing Sugano it’s rather doubtful if the O’s will go all in for Burnes. Apart from Burnes, Alex Bregman has gathered interest from several teams and is expected to be highly favored by the Boston Red Sox.
