The Baltimore Orioles are in desperate need of offensive power, especially in their outfield. The team must be prepared to go full throttle into the free agency market following a disappointing 2025 season.
Ramon Laureano was statistically the team’s best outfielder in 2025, earning a 3.0 WAR with a .290/.355/.884 slash line. Outside of that, Dylan Carlson, Heston Kjerstad, and Cedric Mullins struggled through the season. Colton Cowser suffered a broken thumb earlier in the season, while Mullins was traded at the deadline.
There is hope in the form of Dylan Beavers, who slashed .227/.375/.775 with four home runs in 35 games. Still, the lack of stability in the outfield presents a challenge Baltimore must solve in the offseason. Going all in on both Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger must be moves the Orioles consider.
The Orioles Should Pursue Both Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker in Free Agency
The Case for Kyle Tucker
The Orioles lack an all-around hitter with a multi-tool set that can be the anchor for their lineup. Although Tucker saw some regression in his stats, he still notched his fourth All-Star appearance with a .841 OPS season. He also clubbed 22 home runs and stole 25 bases, the former being a higher total than any current Orioles player.
Kyle Tucker pic.twitter.com/zu9G5404pO
— Bleacher Creatures (@The_Bleacherss) November 9, 2025
The 28-year-old brings a low chase and whiff rate, but most importantly, has one of the highest walk rates in MLB. Over 66% of his hits are in the air, which could spell good news given that Camden Yards is a bit of a home run-friendly park. Whatever the team lacks on offense, Tucker can help jumpstart in 2026.
Cody Bellinger is a Plausible Plan B
If Tucker were to be signed by another team in free agency, Bellinger could be a suitable backup option. The former NL MVP regained some of his form in 2023 with the Chicago Cubs, and again in 2025 with the New York Yankees. His 29 home runs were his most in a single season since 2019, while his strikeout rate collapsed to an all-time low.
Like the aforementioned Tucker, Bellinger sports a low whiff and strikeout rate. He hits the sweet spot and squares up more often than not, but does chase 30% of the time. The second downside for the 30-year-old is that he doesn’t hit the ball hard often, and he doesn’t walk as much as Tucker.
How Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker lined up defensively in 2025
It is pretty much indisputable Cody Bellinger unequivocally cleared Kyle Tucker in nearly every facet of defense you can think of, no matter what metric you used.
Bellinger played:
85 games in LF
52 in RF
41 CF
7… pic.twitter.com/bJf5CatJTo— Yankees Stats (@ChrisCoop_) November 6, 2025
He makes that up in defense, which is where Mullins struggled immensely before his midseason trade to the New York Mets. Bellinger can split between center, right, and left field, with the latter two being of importance. The former NL MVP would take some of the defensive stress off Beavers, along with Cowser, if he were signed in free agency.
What About the Prospects?
Baltimore holds three strong outfielder prospects in Enrique Bradfield Jr., Slater de Brun, and Nate George. Bradfield Jr. could be ready next year, while de Brun and George may debut in 2029. The Orioles should treat these players as potential trade chips this offseason.
Pitching is a main concern for Baltimore heading into this offseason. Right-handed pitcher Hunter Greene and left-handed pitcher Mackenzie Gore could be on the trade block. Perhaps a package involving two of them could make a deal work. Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta and Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan are also among the names being floated for trades.
The Orioles are expected to be aggressive in free agency/trades this offseason, per @Feinsand
Some names to watch:
Joe Ryan
Sandy Alcantara
MacKenzie Gore
Pablo López
Mitch Keller pic.twitter.com/r8sKsabUQj— SleeperMLB (@SleeperMLB) November 11, 2025
If they want to go the offensive route, a third baseman could be on their wishlist. The Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm could be a good fit, a certain upgrade from Ramon Urias. Philadelphia also needs outfielders, given the struggles from Max Kepler and Nick Castellanos this season. Justin Crawford cannot fix the Phillies’ outfield himself.
Either way, Tucker and Bellinger should be top must-wants for the Orioles during free agency. They can afford both contracts if the projected $83 million payroll before any additional signings is accurate. Baltimore would still be well under the tax threshold and have enough room to lock a young core for the future.
Main Photo Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
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