The Baltimore Orioles are facing a major issue this offseason with two key players from the 2024 season, Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander, both set to hit the free agent market. Speculation is growing that both could land better contracts with other teams, leaving the Orioles in a tough spot. ESPN’s David Schoenfield doesn’t expect Burnes to return to Baltimore, instead predicting that he will sign a seven-year, $225 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. This would keep Burnes in the American League East, but with a new team, a worst-case scenario for the Orioles.

Schoenfield suggests that the Orioles need a backup plan for 2025, which could involve aggressively pursuing Burnes, who ranks as the No. 2 free agent. With Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman becoming free agents in the coming years, the Blue Jays will need to strengthen their rotation long-term. Schoenfield believes that signing Burnes, combined with a bounce-back season from Bo Bichette and improvements to their bullpen, could propel Toronto back into playoff contention.

However, if the Blue Jays aggressively target Burnes, it’s unlikely the Orioles will be able to match their offer. Schoenfield also predicts that the Mets will land Juan Soto, further taking the Mets out of the Burnes race.