Orioles Could Pursue Kyle Tucker, Trade For Pitching

"We're still in the nascent stages of the MLB offseason, with only a handful of notable free-agent signings and trades thus far. Still, with the GM Meetings now in the rearview mirror, teams have laid a fair bit of groundwork for the weeks and months ahead, both on the free agent and trade markets. Kyle Tucker stands as the offseason's top free agent, and while there's no indication he's close to signing, there are also some hints falling into place about his potential market."

"ESPN's Jeff Passan wrote this week that some rival teams feel the Blue Jays are the likeliest landing spot for the four-time All-Star. They've been a popular speculative pick early on after a deep World Series run and with only one other major long-term commitment (Vladimir Guerrero Jr.) on the books. Of course, Bo Bichette could be the priority, and it's rare for any team to sign two free agents of that magnitude in a single offseason."

"Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic wrote this morning that while the Orioles are prioritizing pitching this winter, they haven't ruled out a run at Tucker. Having already acquired Taylor Ward from the Angels, the addition of Tucker would free Baltimore to dangle young outfielders Colton Cowser and Dylan Beavers on the trade market in hopes of securing some controllable arms."

MLB teams have begun offseason groundwork after the GM Meetings, though only a few notable free-agent signings and trades have occurred. Kyle Tucker is the top available free agent, with the Toronto Blue Jays seen by some rivals as the likeliest landing spot while Bo Bichette could remain a priority. The Baltimore Orioles are prioritizing pitching but have not ruled out pursuing Tucker. Acquiring Tucker after adding Taylor Ward could let Baltimore dangle Colton Cowser and Dylan Beavers as trade chips to pursue controllable arms. Cowser and Beavers are former first-round picks with multiple years of club control. Mike Elias was the Astros' scouting director when Tucker was selected. The Orioles lack long-term commitments beyond Samuel Basallo's eight-year, $67MM extension.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors