Kyle Tucker entered this offseason as arguably the most coveted bat on the free agent market. A five-time All-Star with a steady mix of power, plate discipline, and defensive reliability in right field, Tucker has built a résumé that puts him firmly among the elite outfielders in the game. But here we are on Christmas Eve, and the slugger is still unsigned - a surprising development for a player of his caliber.
Despite the slow market movement, one team that could make a late push is the Baltimore Orioles. And while they’ve already made some serious noise this winter, there’s reason to believe they’re not done just yet.
Let’s start with what the Orioles have already done. They landed Pete Alonso on a five-year, $155 million deal during the Winter Meetings - a move that instantly added one of the league’s premier power bats to the middle of their lineup.
Then they bolstered their bullpen by signing Ryan Helsley to a two-year, $28 million contract. Add in Andrew Kittredge for more bullpen depth, plus trade acquisitions of Taylor Ward and Shane Baz, and it’s clear the Orioles are going for it.
But here’s the kicker: they still have financial flexibility to make another splash.
Even after all those moves, Baltimore is projected to be around $170 million against the 2026 luxury tax threshold - roughly $74 million under the first Competitive Balance Tax line. That gives them plenty of room to chase a high-priced free agent if they choose. And with Tucker still on the board, the fit is intriguing.
Tucker would give the Orioles a left-handed bat with middle-of-the-order pop, postseason experience, and a strong glove in right field. Pair him with Alonso, Adley Rutschman, and Gunnar Henderson, and suddenly you’ve got a lineup that can match up with anyone in the American League. It’s the kind of move that signals a team isn’t just trying to contend - they’re aiming to win it all.
But Baltimore isn’t the only team lurking.
The New York Mets, after a flurry of roster shakeups, could be positioning themselves for a major move. They’ve cleared significant payroll space in recent weeks, trading longtime outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers and moving on from second baseman Jeff McNeil. Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz also walked in free agency, meaning the Mets have officially parted ways with their four longest-tenured players.
That kind of reset doesn’t happen unless there’s a plan - and that plan might involve going big for a player like Kyle Tucker.
New York has already started reshaping the roster. They acquired Marcus Semien from Texas last month to plug the hole at second base, and just last week signed Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million deal.
Those are solid moves, but they don’t scream “headline-grabbing.” A Tucker signing?
That would.
There’s no question the Mets have the financial muscle to make a statement. And with no team yet stepping up to offer the kind of $300 million-plus contract Tucker is likely seeking, the door is still wide open.
So here we are - the biggest bat on the market still unsigned, with two very different but equally motivated teams potentially circling. The Orioles are building toward a serious run, and Tucker could be the final piece. The Mets, meanwhile, are in the middle of a reset and could use a franchise cornerstone to lead the next era.
The question now is simple: who’s going to make the move? Because whichever team lands Kyle Tucker isn’t just adding an All-Star - they’re getting a game-changer.