Yankees manager Aaron Boone shared his candid and amusing reaction to the Baltimore Orioles’ significant acquisition of former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers.
With the Orioles aiming for a deeper playoff run in the upcoming 2024 season after boasting the best record in the American League in 2023, Boone acknowledged the potential challenge this trade poses for the Yankees, who share the same division.
Boone expressed a pragmatic view, admitting, “That could be a bit of a problem,” according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. Despite this concern, Boone remains optimistic about the Yankees’ starting rotation, emphasizing that they can compete with any team in the AL East if they can maintain good health.
Corbin Burnes, a three-time All-Star and the 2021 NL Cy Young award winner, is a notable addition to the Orioles. Despite a comparatively quieter season in 2023, Burnes showcased a 3.39 ERA and a league-leading 1.069 WHIP across 32 starts.
The Yankees, however, have their own strengths, with reigning AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole leading the rotation. The addition of Marcus Stroman and the expected rebound of Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes in 2024, provided injuries are not a hindrance, further bolster the team’s pitching staff. The offensive lineup has also been enhanced with the inclusion of Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo.
While the Yankees have positioned themselves as contenders in the AL East, the competition remains fierce. The Orioles are anticipated to be strong contenders, and other teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, and Boston Red Sox have the potential for postseason success.
The Yankees’ ability to make additional significant additions before the start of the 2024 season adds an element of intrigue to their prospects in the highly competitive division.
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