TL;DR
- Baltimore Orioles are an unexpected suitor for All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker.
- Orioles have payroll flexibility and prospect depth to pursue Tucker.
- Tucker's skillset and age make him a transformative player for any lineup.
- Other contenders like Blue Jays, Phillies, and Yankees are also in the mix.
The MLB offseason is still gaining traction, but the early landscape around Kyle Tucker already has one unexpected suitor. While big-market teams are circling and the Toronto Blue Jays have been labeled an early favorite, the Baltimore Orioles have quietly positioned themselves as a legitimate threat in the All-Star outfielder’s market.
The idea isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds.
According to The Athletic, Baltimore is prioritizing pitching upgrades this winter but has not ruled out a serious run at Tucker.
The Orioles' payroll is lean demonstrates their genuine prospect depth, with president of baseball operations Mike Elias having served as the Houston Astros' scouting director when Tucker was selected fifth overall in 2015.
Tucker's track record skillset allows him to be the kind of player who can transform a lineup instantly. The four-time All-Star batted.280/.362/.517 with 34 homers and an.879 OPS in 2025, all while providing superior defense in right field. At 29 years old, he's set to hit free agency during his peak performance years.
Baltimore’s ability to enter the sweepstakes comes down to flexibility.
Samuel Basallo's eight-year, $67 million deal, valued at $8.375 million annually, represents the club's sole long-term obligation. Tyler O’Neill is the sole other player with guaranteed funds extending past 2026. Even prior to the anticipated non-tender decisions for Ryan Mountcastle, Keegan Akin, Yennier Cano, and Alex Jackson, the payroll for the upcoming year is estimated to fall between $93–100 million. They began 2025 with a payroll close to $164 million. There's ample room to invest significant funds.
Should Baltimore pursue Tucker, the trade leverage would instantly shift. Having already secured Taylor Ward, the addition of Tucker would enable them to offer former first-round selections Colton Cowser and Dylan Beavers in negotiations for pitchers under contract. With names like Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan and multiple mid-tier pitchers anticipated to be on the market, Baltimore would find itself well-positioned to tackle its most significant deficiency.
Other contenders remain firmly in play.
The Blue Jays appear to be the most sensible choice, the Phillies could pounce if Kyle Schwarber are still in contention, and the Yankees haven't forgotten about Tucker, while also considering a potential reunion with Cody Bellinger.
While Baltimore might not be the frontrunner, for the first time in a long while, the Orioles possess the necessary roster, financial backing, and drive to engage in such a pursuit, potentially emerging as a more significant contender than anticipated.
