The Baltimore Orioles are coming off a disappointing 2025 season, and some major changes are likely coming for the team in 2206 and beyond.
With a new manager in-house, Mike Elias is planning to be aggressive this offseason. They've already made two trades, acquiring Andrew Kittredge and, more importantly, Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels.
Their addition of Ward is a big one, as it shores up one of the outfield spots. But, according to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the addition of Ward won't have an impact on the Orioles' pursuit of top free agent Kyle Tucker.
Orioles plan to pursue Kyle Tucker despite Taylor Ward trade
"Even after acquiring Taylor Ward in a stunning trade on Tuesday night," Sammon and Rosenthal write, "The Baltimore Orioles are not necessarily set in their outfield.... Club officials are not ruling out a pursuit of right fielder Kyle Tucker."
Baltimore isn't shutting down the chances of adding Tucker to their outfield, which looks a bit crowded now that Ward is on the roster.
Tyler O'Neill and Dylan Beavers can split time in one spot, and with Colton Cowser in center field, the Orioles don't need to add another outfielder.
But this report from Sammon and Rosenthal indicates that the Orioles are leaving the door open to a pursuit of Tucker this offseason.
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It won't come cheap, as the former Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs outfielder is projected to land a deal worth around $400 million total.
Their interest in Tucker, even if they don't wind up signing him, shows how much the team is willing to spend this offseason. Elias isn't sitting on his hands this winter and is trying to improve the team for a 2026 postseason run.
While landing Tucker would crowd their outfield, they could then use those extra outfielders in trades to improve other areas of the roster.
Baltimore is interested in Tucker this offseason, even after trading for Ward. The Baltimore outfield could undergo a major change from 2025 to 2026, and it could be headlined by Tucker and Ward if Elias and company can bring in the superstar outfielder.
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