Orioles Exploring Trades for Coby Mayo and Ryan Mountcastle

The article digs into the Orioles’ current trade talks about two corner-infield bats, Coby Mayo and Ryan Mountcastle, after Jackson Holliday’s hamate surgery. It looks at how the roster could shift to keep both guys in Baltimore.

Mayo has serious trade appeal, while Mountcastle’s market looks a bit more modest after an injury-filled 2025 season. The piece also sketches out possible landing spots for Mayo and what each team might gain or lose if they pull the trigger.

Trade targets and the path forward for Baltimore

Ken Rosenthal reports that Baltimore’s front office is weighing what to do with Mayo and Mountcastle as Holliday’s season gets underway. The Orioles might reshuffle things—maybe Jordan Westburg slides to second, Mayo gets third—and that could keep both veterans around if the club wants to stay in the hunt from day one.

But Mayo’s defense at third has raised eyebrows. There’s been talk about shifting him to first or using him at DH in certain matchups.

Mayo turns 24 in December and still feels like a potential franchise-changer. He’s a former top prospect with six years of team control and a pretty manageable salary.

Last season, he played 85 games and put up a 95 wRC+, but after the All-Star break, he bumped that up to 109. That’s the kind of late-season surge that makes rival GMs take notice.

Why Mayo stands out as a crown jewel in this market

Six years of control and that prospect pedigree? That’s rare. Clubs looking for a right-handed corner power bat at a fair price have to look at Mayo.

His contract’s a plus, and his recent numbers hint at more to come. Teams hoping to boost their playoff window without splurging on free agents might see Mayo as a better bet than anyone on the open market this winter.

Mayo’s ceiling, his years of control, and the production he’s already shown combine for a profile that’s in high demand. He’s right at the center of Baltimore’s trade talks.

Ken Rosenthal even called Mayo the kind of move that could shake up a franchise’s season—especially since Holliday’s injury has opened the door for a serious return package.

• Six years of team control mean buyers don’t need to rush into huge extensions.
• Low salary appeals to teams trying to dodge payroll headaches.
• Right-handed power gives lineups the pop and balance they want in the middle of the order.
• Prospect pedigree and recent production jump hint at more upside than the stats show right now.

Mountcastle: a more fragile asset with mixed value

Mountcastle’s almost 29, and injuries kept him off the field for most of 2025. He managed an 81 wRC+ over 89 games.

The Orioles non-tendered him last winter, then brought him back on a one-year, $6.787 million deal with a $7.5 million club option for 2027. That setup gives teams a shot at a veteran first-base/DH type without much risk, plus some upside if he bounces back.

Given his salary and recent struggles, Mountcastle’s a softer bet than Mayo. Some teams might roll the dice on a rebound season instead of trading away top prospects.

Even if Mayo’s the bigger prize, Mountcastle could still catch the eye of clubs that want a lower-risk move or need help at first or DH. There’s always someone willing to gamble, right?

Which clubs could bite on Mountcastle—and Mayo—with different cost constraints?

The market for Mayo probably includes contenders and ambitious teams that want a controllable right-handed corner bat. Several clubs seem most involved in these talks, each with their own level of risk and spending power:

• Potential Mayo suitors
• New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, Miami Marlins—these are markets that crave power and depth at the corners. They might pay up for Mayo’s immediate impact and years of control.
• Other possibilities depending on cost and role
• Guardians, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, Washington Nationals, Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox—these teams could jump in if the price fits. They’re looking for a controllable righty who can handle different spots as needed.
• Mountcastle’s more flexible buyers
• Some teams just want a cost-friendly, bounce-back option at first base or DH. They don’t want long commitments but might take a one-year shot with a club option.

The Orioles’ trade talks really come down to a bigger question: how do you get the most out of two players who can help a contender now, but also keep your options open for the future? Mayo brings a ton of upside, while Mountcastle’s value depends more on his contract and the team’s budget. Baltimore’s next move could shift how everyone sees both players’ roles going forward.

 
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