It sounds like the Orioles could be a threat to the NY Mets for more than Pete Alonso

For much of the early offseason, the narrative surrounding the New York Mets has focused on the offensive side of the ball, specifically the future of Pete Alonso. It is a natural focal point, especially with reports suggesting the Baltimore Orioles are weighing a run at the slugger to anchor their lineup. However, recent reports highlight a developing dynamic that could impact David Stearns' plans even more significantly; the Orioles are also serious candidates to add a frontline starter.

The reality of Baltimore’s aggressive posture became clear this week with the signing of Ryan Helsley. After the Mets acquired the closer at last year’s trade deadline to bolster their postseason push, seeing him land in Baltimore this winter is a strong signal that the Orioles are willing to spend to address roster needs. With Dylan Cease now off the board to Toronto, the market for starting pitching has tightened, and it appears the Mets and Orioles will be looking at many of the same targets to fill similar voids in their rotations.

A crowded marketplace for arms

The most direct competition is likely to occur in free agency, where Framber Valdez and Michael King sit atop the list of remaining options. Both pitchers fit the profile the Mets are seeking—durable, high-upside arms that can stabilize a rotation. However, the Orioles find themselves in a similar position. Unlike previous years, where Baltimore might have sat out the top tier of free agency, the recent moves and signings suggest they are ready to invest. It turns what could have been a straightforward pursuit for the Mets into a competitive bidding situation against a team with a clear contention window.

The challenge for the Mets extends into the trade market, where asset management becomes the key differentiator. The Mets have interest in Brewers ace Freddy Peralta, but the Orioles possess what is widely considered the deepest farm system in baseball. We have seen the Brewers and Orioles match up before—most notably in the Corbin Burnes trade—and that existing relationship, combined with Baltimore’s surplus of young talent, puts them in a strong position to facilitate a deal if Milwaukee decides to move Peralta.

A similar dynamic exists with the Miami Marlins and Sandy Alcantara. While the Mets would undoubtedly check in on the availability of the Marlins' ace, inter-division trades are often complex. The Orioles, however, have a recent track record with Miami, having acquired Trevor Rogers at a previous deadline. The Marlins were reportedly satisfied with the return in that deal, and if they look to move Alcantara for a haul of prospects, Baltimore is one of the few teams with the necessary capital to get a deal done without hesitating.

Ultimately, this doesn't mean the Mets are out of options, but it does mean the degree of difficulty has increased. The Orioles are no longer just a rebuilding club; they are a direct competitor for high-end talent. Whether it is retaining Pete Alonso or securing a top-of-the-rotation arm like Valdez or Alcantara, the Mets will have to navigate a market where Baltimore is an active, capable, and motivated participant.