Orioles' pursuit of Kyle Tucker receives an update following the Taylor Ward trade.

Matt Sullivan

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Orioles' interest in Kyle Tucker gets update after Taylor Ward trade image

TL;DR

  • Baltimore Orioles plan aggressive offseason with new manager Mike Elias.
  • Orioles acquired Andrew Kittredge and Taylor Ward from Los Angeles Angels.
  • Team still intends to pursue top free agent Kyle Tucker despite Ward trade.
  • Pursuit of Tucker, potentially $400 million, shows Orioles' financial commitment.

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.

The acquisition of Ward is significant, as it solidifies one of the outfield positions. However, as reported by Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, Ward's arrival won't affect the Orioles' efforts to sign top free agent Kyle Tucker.

The Orioles intend to pursue Kyle Tucker, even with The 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 hasn't closed the door on acquiring Tucker for their outfield, which appears somewhat crowded with Ward now part of 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.

However, a report by Sammon and Rosenthal suggests the Orioles might still consider pursuing Tucker this offseason.

More: Who is Craig Albernaz? Meet the new Orioles skipper who spent the 2025 season with Guardians

This won't be inexpensive, given that the former Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs outfielder is expected to secure an agreement valued at approximately $400 million overall.

The team's pursuit of Tucker, regardless of whether they ultimately sign him, highlights their significant financial commitment this offseason. Elias is actively working this winter to strengthen the team for a potential 2026 postseason appearance.

Acquiring Tucker might lead to an overcrowded outfield, but those surplus outfielders could be leveraged in trades to bolster other parts of the team's roster.

Baltimore has shown interest in Tucker during this offseason, despite their acquisition of Ward. The team's outfield is poised for significant transformation between 2025 and 2026, with Tucker and Ward potentially leading the charge if Elias and his team successfully recruit the star outfielder.

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Editorial Team