With the Milwaukee Brewers losing Craig Counsell to the Chicago Cubs, a stunning move that sent shockwaves throughout the baseball industry, it's put the long-term status of Corbin Burnes, Willy Adames and Brandon Woodruff in question.
With Burnes a year removed from free agency, and his asking price surely set to exceed what the Brewers are comfortable paying, it led to natural trade speculation. Just look at Josh Hader's situation, where the Brewers dealt him when he had 1.5 years of control left. Burnes has only one season, and that is incredibly valuable to contending teams needing rotation help.
Which essentially sums up the entire baseball landscape, meaning there would be a strong market for Burnes, and could raise the potential return the Brewers receive. Milwaukee will listen on Burnes – they listen on all of their players – and it would not be surprising if another team presented an offer that resulted in them parting with the star right-hander.
Let's evaluate three potential destinations for Corbin Burnes
Los Angeles Dodgers
This is the most sensible landing spot for Burnes, and something that I have been talking about for months.
The Dodgers have the prospect capital that would intrigue the Brewers. They have the need for a star right-hander in their rotation. They have an extensive history of making significant trades. And their most recent trade for a star pitcher – Max Scherzer – also included Trea Turner. Who says they couldn't try to acquire both Burnes and Willy Adames in the deal?
That would fill their rotation and shortstop voids, at least for the 2024 season. I wouldn't be surprised if the Dodgers considered it. I don't know how likely that would be. But Burnes figures to be high up on their list of targets. This is a fit to watch.
Chicago Cubs
This is one that I had to mention, just because of the obvious connection to new Cubs manager Craig Counsell. But this has absolutely no shot of happening. None. Zilch. Nada.
The Brewers are not happy about Counsell going to the Cubs. So why would the Brewers help not only Counsell, but their biggest division rival, by sending them one of the best right-handed pitchers in baseball?
It's not happening. You can forget about this.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles present an intriguing possibility for Burnes and could be a sleeper team on the hunt for a big name pitcher.
Their trade deadline activity perhaps offered some clues, as they were in on the Chicago White Sox's Dylan Cease. They could check in on Cease again. But they would seem like a logical candidate to be in on Burnes as well.
What makes the Orioles a strong potential trade partner is their sheer depth in the minor leagues. It's something that other teams have surely taken note of and makes them a strong candidate to 1) land any player they want and 2) outbid the competition for the right player.
They've been selective in parting with their prospects, but this could be the offseason they finally part with some of their higher-end prospects.
