Orioles' rival caves under pressure after Mets-Luis Robert trade forces their hand

Once the New York Mets traded for Luis Robert Jr., it seemed inevitable that Cody Bellinger would return to the New York Yankees. Bellinger signing with the Mets would have been the best outcome for the Baltimore Orioles, but he has indeed returned to the Yankees. Multiple reports confirmed that Bellinger has returned to the Bronx on a five-year deal worth $162.5 million.

While there wasn't any scenario where Robert should have been under consideration for the Orioles, they were linked to Bellinger in the early weeks of the offseason. Once the Orioles pivoted in the direction of trading for Taylor Ward and signing Pete Alonso, the idea of Baltimore adding the former National League MVP quickly became an afterthought.

The Yankees and Bellinger had been in a stalemate for most of the offseason. Recent reports suggested that the Yankees had a five-year offer on the table for Bellinger worth $160 million. It would seem that once the Mets traded for Robert, Bellinger and Scott Boras lost their leverage.

Orioles fans knew exactly how the Cody Bellinger free agency saga was going to end

While Jon Heyman tried to do his part, suggesting there were mystery teams involved in Bellinger's sweepstakes, it read as if he was doing a favor for Boras. The Yankees were in the driver's seat, and that was proved by Bellinger taking the deal that was on the table.

It will be curious to see what is next for the Yankees. New York has had a quiet offseason, but over the last few weeks, they've started making moves of substance. They traded for Ryan Weather last week, and even after Bellinger's return, they remain involved in trade talks for Freddy Peralta.

If the Yankees can pull off a trade for Peralta, it will increase the pressure on the Orioles. The Orioles have had a good offseason, but considering the aggressive approach the Toronto Blue Jays have had, the Boston Red Sox are bolstering their pitching staff, and the Yankees are starting to make moves of consequence, Baltimore is in danger of already becoming an afterthought in the American League East.

The expectation is that the Orioles will close out their offseason by adding an established starting pitcher to their rotation. Justin Verlander wouldn't be a bad fallback option, but if they are set on joining the conversation of the rest of their division, they need to walk away from the offseason with Framber Valdez.

Adding Valdez would be the perfect response from the Orioles and ensure they are ready to contend in what is suddenly looking once again to be a competitive division.