What factors would Corbin Burnes consider in choosing a team? | MAILBAG

Question: With all the interest and hype surrounding signing either players already on the team or free agents with other clubs, do players take into account factors other than money? For example, if the Orioles are in the mix for signing Corbin Burnes or other valuable free agents, do players often consider team chemistry and where they would be living? If a player likes his teammates and manager and likes the area that he calls home while with a team, would he forgo more money to go elsewhere if the money offered is close? From: Stephen Griffith Concord, North Carolina

Answer: Stephen, I think players do take other factors into account besides money. However, if a player gets a four-year offer from one club and a five-year offer from another for the same annual salary, I don’t think he’s going to accept the four-year offer and forfeit an extra year.

Players do take into account the competitiveness of a team because many want to be playing meaningful games. Location is important to many as well. If, like Burnes, they’ve had a good experience with a team, that’s a factor, too.

Question: Do you think Scott Boras has been bad for the sport? From: Scott 

Answer: Scott, I assume because you’re posing the question that you think he has been bad for the sport. I think Scott Boras and other agents are simply trying to do the best work they can for their clients.

Boras is more public than other agents and has strong opinions about the sport as a whole, but I think he’s doing a necessary job in representing players.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.