Could Orioles find a pitcher comparable to Burnes? | MAILBAG

Question: Do the Orioles really think they can find an arm comparable to Corbin Burnes that can keep us in the championship mix during our supposed competitive window that is open now? New York now has Max Fried and just traded for Devin Williams. Boston now has Garrett Crochet. Our guys are good, but Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells won’t be back until after the All-Star break if then. From: Cindy Hurley

Answer: Cindy, I’ve received many questions about Corbin Burnes from Richard Kalwarski, Renaud Dupuis, Mike Beale and others. I think the Orioles know how good Corbin Burnes is, and I think they are making a genuine effort to sign him. It will be interesting to see what the final contract details are.

You are correct. There are very few true aces, and Burnes is one. Hopefully, the Orioles will be able to retain him, although it will be difficult.

Question: When would Gunnar Henderson, Colton Cowser, Jordan Westburg, Jackson Holliday, Heston Kjerstad, and Coby Mayo become free agents?  Just want to gauge  what time frame the Orioles have ahead of themselves. With these absurd contracts hard to believe they will be able to hold on to most of those guys. From: Tony Paparella

Answer: Tony, according to BaseballReference.com, Gunnar Henderson would become a free agent after the 2028 season. Cowser and Westburg would become free agents after the 2029 season, Holliday. Kjerstad and Mayo after the 2030 season.

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.