Report: Orioles met with Kyle Tucker
The Baltimore Orioles aren't messing around this winter.
Baltimore recently met with star free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.
Tucker is the latest marquee name to be connected to the Orioles, who are looking to make a splash following their disappointing 87-loss season. Baltimore was a runner-up in the Kyle Schwarber sweepstakes, reportedly offering him the same five-year, $150-million deal he took to stay in Philadelphia. The O's are also reported to be among the teams meeting with Pete Alonso.
Tucker is an intriguing option for Baltimore as a high-profile outfielder whose left-handed bat would be a good fit at Camden Yards. The Orioles' brass is also quite familiar with him, as president of baseball operations Mike Elias was the Houston Astros' scouting director when that team drafted him in 2015.
However, the Orioles' crowded outfield creates a bit of an awkward fit in the short term. Baltimore is currently projected to use a platoon of Tyler O'Neill and rookie Dylan Beavers in right field, Tucker's primary position. Taylor Ward, the team's biggest offseason addition thus far, is slated to start in left field, with Colton Cowser manning center. Adding Tucker could open some new trade avenues for Baltimore to alleviate the glut.
Tucker, 28, is arguably the biggest position player left on the open market. He hit free agency after a solid season with the Chicago Cubs in which he slashed .266/.377/.464 with 22 homers, 73 RBIs, and 25 stolen bases and won a Silver Slugger.
The four-time All-Star reportedly visited the Toronto Blue Jays at their facilities in Dunedin, Florida, last week.