Orioles suddenly feel the squeeze as Mets pivot after Kyle Tucker miss

The Baltimore Orioles have been one of the most aggressive organizations throughout the offseason, but after watching Kyle Tucker sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers for an absurd amount of money — $240 million over four years — it's time for Mike Elias to make one more bold transaction.

The Orioles were never in talks with Tucker. After acquiring Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels and signing Pete Alonso to a five-year deal, Baltimore expended more than enough resources to reshape their lineup for the upcoming season. But the O's still have a vacancy at the top of their rotation.

Baltimore has been searching for an ace all offseason, and after missing out on Ranger Suarez, former Houston Astros starter Framber Valdez has become the obvious target. But after Tucker spurned the New York Mets' advances, they're now poised to strike a deal with Valdez, and the Orioles may not be able to match the price.

After missing out on Kyle Tucker, the Mets seem poised to outbid the Orioles for Framber Valdez

Most casual observers believe the pursuit of Valdez is a two-horse race between the Orioles and Mets. When it comes to spending power, no one is going to outlast Mets' owner Steve Cohen. But while money talks, it hasn't served New York well this offseason.

It appears, however, that Cohen and Mets' president of baseball operations David Stearns refuse to enter the 2026 season without at least one splashy signing — Jorge Polanco isn't going to do it. The Mets added Polanco and traded for Marcus Semien, but fans in Queens have been rather disappointed with the team's offseason. On top of missing out on the postseason last year, New York lost Alonso and Edwin Diaz earlier this winter.

The Mets' desperation to remain off the back page in the New York newspapers might be too much for the Orioles to overcome. But that doesn't' mean they shouldn't try. Whatever resources Elias has left at his disposal should be presented to Valdez.

If the O's fail to come to terms with Valdez and lose him to the Mets, there are other options. Baltimore could look to the trade market and make a play for Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta. Or, they could always work out a deal with former Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star Zac Gallen. But Valdez should remain the Orioles' primary focus until he's no longer on the open market.