The Baltimore Orioles landed Corbin Burnes in a surprise move. It was reported throughout the offseason that they had an interest in Burnes and Dylan Cease. However, with Spring Training around the corner, a deal did not seem to be in the works.

Burnes has been better than Cease throughout his career. One could argue that Cease would have been the better fit due to having an extra year on his contract, but one more year is not the biggest issue. The Orioles should be willing to pay Burnes when his time comes next offseason and that is the expectation around the league.

While they landed Burnes, Baltimore did have an offer out for Cease. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Orioles offered “basically the same package for Cease.” Nightengale adds that they did offer another player, but did not say who it was.

He adds that the Chicago White Sox believe that the return for the Milwaukee Brewers is the floor on what they should receive when they do move Cease.

It is uncertain when that time is going to come. With Spring Training starting within the next few weeks, the White Sox could hold on to him until the trade deadline. While that is a risky strategy due to potential injuries and other factors, it could turn out to be the right one for Chicago.

A contending team will pay a huge price for an ace-caliber pitcher at the deadline, possibly netting them a better return than they would have in the offseason. Do not be surprised if the Orioles are in on Cease again at the deadline. They have the prospects to get a deal done and could be in a position to add one more pitcher as they make their playoff push.